BENGALURU: In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked Bengaluru Rural district, serious allegations have emerged against Syed Imran (40)of Janatha Colony in Sulibele village, Hoskote taluk, accusing him of attempting to sacrifice an infant boy as part of a puja allegedly performed for wealth. Acting on specific and credible information, officials of the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) conducted a raid on Imran’s house and rescued the eight-month-old child, averting what officials suspect could have turned into a grave crime.
According to officials, the raid was carried out following an anonymous call received on the child protection helpline on the occasion of the full moon, warning that a child sacrifice ritual was underway. During the inspection, officers found a pit dug inside one of the house’s rooms, where a puja was allegedly being performed after the floor tiles were removed. The circumstances raised a strong suspicion that the ritual was linked to an attempted human sacrifice in the belief that it would bring wealth and prosperity.
DCPU officer Anitha Lakshmi confirmed that the child was found in a vulnerable condition and was immediately taken into protective custody. “Based on accurate information, our team raided the house and rescued an eight-month-old baby boy. The child has been shifted to a government-run child care centre for his safety,” she said. “The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has been informed, and further legal procedures are under way.”
Investigators allege that Syed Imran had procured the male child from a couple working as daily wage labourers when the baby was just 12 days old. The biological parents have been identified as Ramanna and Manjula. Officials said the child was handed over to Imran outside the legal adoption framework, raising serious questions about trafficking and exploitation.
“Though Imran and his wife claimed they had adopted the child, the adoption process was not carried out as per law,” Anitha Lakshmi said. “They also appear to have fraudulently obtained a birth certificate by registering the child in their own names. Given these serious violations, we had no option but to take the child into custody without delay.”
During the raid, the couple reportedly produced a letter and an agreement claiming that the child had been adopted with consent. However, authorities maintained that private agreements are not legally valid in adoption matters. “Any adoption must strictly follow the procedures laid down by law and be approved by competent authorities. That was clearly not done in this case,” an official said.
Sources in the department said the allegation of sacrifice gained strength because of the way the ritual was conducted inside the house. A pit dug in a closed room, combined with the timing of the puja and the presence of the infant, prompted immediate intervention. Officials also noted that Imran has two daughters, and the sudden acquisition of a male child has become part of the investigation narrative.
Responding to the allegations, Anitha Lakshmi said the accused’s explanation would be examined thoroughly. “The house owner has claimed that there was an anthill inside the house and that the digging was done for that reason. However, given the nature of the complaint, we have launched a detailed investigation,” she said. “Both parties will be produced before the Child Welfare Committee on Monday, and further action will be taken strictly as per the CWC’s directions.”
She further warned that the authorities would take a zero-tolerance approach to crimes against children. “Any attempt to harm a child in the name of superstition, greed or blind belief will invite stringent legal action. No one will be spared,” Anitha Lakshmi asserted.
