Kottayam: The Manarcad Police have identified a sixth person from a video linked to black magic rituals performed at the house of a 24-year-old woman in Thiruvanchoor, Kottayam. The woman had been subjected to mental and physical torture as part of the rituals, performed by her partner, his father and a sorcerer.

The police had arrested the sorcerer, Shivadas (54), also known as Shivan Thirumeni of Maadachira House, Perumthuruthi, Pathanamthitta, the woman's partner, Akhil Das (26), and his father, Das (55). Akhil’s mother and sister, named as co-accused, are absconding. 

Manarcad SHO said they have approached the Kottayam Judicial Magistrate First Class Court-I to grant custody of those who have been arrested. "Afterwards, we will look into the sixth person who can be seen in the video,” said the Manarcad SHO. 

According to police, Akhil’s mother brought the sorcerer to the house, where he allegedly performed the rituals from 11 am to 9 pm. During this time, the woman was forced to consume alcohol, smoke beedis, and was subjected to burn injuries and other assaults. The ordeal reportedly caused a severe decline in her mental condition.

The case was registered after the woman’s father noticed unusual behaviour in her and lodged a complaint. The torture was reportedly confirmed from retrieved mobile phone footage from Akhil's sister's phone.