Angul: Following a violent mob protest in Odisha's Angul district, during which a police vehicle was torched, the Kiakata police have taken four persons into custody, including a priest namely Ritanjali Bagh from Tusara village. The protests were sparked by allegations of inaction regarding the suspected human sacrifice of a 14-year-old boy.

The incident occurred on July 22 when deceased Sanchit Biswal was taken to the ashram of 'traditional healer' Ritanjali by his mother Basanti. The boy had been unwell for an extended period, and despite previous medical treatment, his condition had not improved. On that fateful night, Basanti and Sanchit were made to sleep in separate rooms at the ashram.

The following morning, Basanti discovered her son missing from the ashram and promptly visited the Kiakata police station to file a report. However, initial reports suggest that the police hesitated to register a case immediately, leading to public outrage. Subsequently, a case was filed.

Tragically, on Friday, the body of Sanchit was found hanging from a tree in Barini jungle, causing further tensions in the village. The body was highly decomposed, with the lower part detached from the upper portion. To investigate the circumstances of the boy's death, a scientific team and dog squad have been deployed.

In response to the public unrest and violence, Athamallik SDPO Balakrishna Kuanr assured the villagers that a thorough investigation would be conducted to uncover the truth behind the incident.

The police are currently interrogating the detained individuals, including Ritanjali, her associate, and her two sons, to shed light on the circumstances leading to the boy's death.