Khandwa gravedigger arrested for performing Tantric rituals using bodies:Dug graves, cut corpses’ hair for witchcraft; previously imprisoned for killing his two wives

A man accused of digging up graves and tampered the corpses at Bada Cemetery has been arrested in Khandwa. Police identified the suspect through CCTV footage installed across the cemetery and arrested him. During interrogation, the accused admitted that he cut hair from corpses to perform Tantric rituals, claiming it would enhance his spiritual powers. Police have registered a case against him for hurting religious sentiments and are now taking action under the National Security Act (NSA). Accused’s criminal history: Murder of two wives The suspect, identified as Ayyub Khan (50) from Mundwara village, has a serious criminal record. He murdered his first wife in 2009 by burning her alive and killed his second wife in 2011 by drowning her. For the second murder, he was sentenced to life imprisonment and was released from Indore Central Jail on May 15, 2025. Shockingly, just four days after his release, Ayyub carried out his first grave desecration on May 19 at Bada Cemetery. According to police, he deliberately chose Amavasya (new moon) days to perform the acts, intending to create the impression that a Hindu individual was responsible. Pattern of grave desecration On September 21, two graves at Bada Cemetery were found dug up, including that of a woman. Families reported that the corpse had been sexually assaulted, with clothing removed from the lower part of the body. Earlier, on May 19, six graves at Bada and Sihada cemeteries were similarly disturbed. Police had installed 13 CCTV cameras across the cemetery. Reviewing the footage from September 21, officers identified a suspicious male figure. The suspect was later arrested late Tuesday night from Harsud. Occult practices learned in jail During interrogation, Ayyub revealed that he had learned Tantric rituals while serving time in jail. According to police sources: A fellow inmate taught him that cutting hair from corpses and performing rituals on them would grant supernatural powers. Following his release, he began desecrating graves to carry out these practices. CCTV footage showed the accused naked at the cemetery, confirming family suspicions about sexual misconduct with the corpses. Although police sources said Ayyub admitted to this during questioning, proving it legally would have required exhumation and postmortem, which the families and local community refused. Consequently, police linked the case to Tantric rituals rather than sexual assault. Police action and legal proceedings Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Rai stated: Ayyub Khan has 13 cases registered against him, including murder, theft, and dowry harassment. Given the severity of his criminal record, we are initiating action under the National Security Act (NSA). The grave desecration, combined with the past murders, underscores the seriousness of the threat posed by the accused. Authorities are treating him as highly dangerous and are closely monitoring the case. Community shock and precautions The incidents have left local residents and families of the deceased in shock. Authorities have urged citizens to report any suspicious activity near cemeteries. Additional security measures and surveillance have been implemented at burial grounds in Khandwa to prevent further incidents. Police also warned the public not to interfere in investigations, stressing that exhumation and other forensic procedures are required to fully substantiate the allegations. Timeline of Offences The accused’s choice of Amavasya for grave desecration indicates a ritualistic pattern tied to superstition and occult practices, as per police investigation.