The victim’s body was found on Sunday in the bed of the hostel where he lived in Hathras, in Uttar Pradesh state, not far from the Taj Mahal temple, said a police officer, Brahm Singh. “The boy was supposed to be burned as part of the ritual, but he was killed before the ceremony was completed,” he added.
Among the five people arrested after his death were the principal, his father and three teachers, all of whom confessed to the facts, according to police. They were placed in pre-trial detention. The director allegedly previously wanted to carry out a similar ritual with other children.
