The Bombay High Court has granted bail to Kamal Ananda Mahapure, a 61-year-old woman priest accused of participating in the gruesome human sacrifice of a 17-year-old girl in Satara district, Maharashtra. The case, dating back to January 22, 2019, involved the ritualistic killing of Bhagyashri, allegedly orchestrated by her own father, who sought divine blessings and hidden wealth.
Initially, the father filed a missing person report, but investigations later revealed that he had masterminded the murder. According to the prosecution, Mahapure played a key role in the black magic ritual, feeding the victim a sacred offering (Bhandara), holding her legs, and chanting mantras as the main accused slit her throat. She was arrested in July 2022, over three years after the crime, and charged under the IPC and the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Black Magic Act, 2013.
Mahapure’s advocate, Satyavrat Joshi, argued that she had been in custody for over two years without trial, citing inconsistencies in a key witness’s statements. He pointed out that the witness had not mentioned Mahapure’s involvement in his initial testimonies, only to suddenly claim to have seen her at the scene three years later, raising doubts about the credibility of his account. Joshi also assured the court that Mahapure would not enter Satara district until the trial concluded.
Opposing the bail, State’s advocate Sangeeta Shinde contended that Mahapure had conspired with the co-accused and could threaten witnesses, abscond, or fail to attend trial.
Justice Shivkumar Dige, on February 7, acknowledged the delays in the trial and Mahapure’s age, emphasizing that the witness’s statement, recorded three years after the crime, would be examined during the trial. Granting bail on a bond of ₹50,000, the court imposed strict conditions, including barring her from Satara district and ensuring regular court attendance.
