Guwahati, June 20: The beheaded body of a woman was found near the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati on Wednesday evening. The recovery of the body triggered panic among residents as the police are probing human sacrifice angle as well. Cops recovered flowers, burnt incense sticks and other items used for black magic near the headless body which led them to believe that it could be a human sacrifice.

The body was found wrapped in a blanket on a staircase that runs from the base of Nilachal Hill which houses the Kamakhya temple. The body is recovered days before the four-day Ambubachi festival starting from Saturday when the temple would remain closed for three days. The temple is popular among tantrik cult. Hundreds of devotees have already arrived at the temple complex as on Wednesday. People Perform Black Magic-Type Ritual With Sword in Hospital For Dead Patient’s Soul, Watch Video.

"We are investigating the case. This was done by someone superstitious. There is no need for people to be scared," Joint Commissioner of Police, Devraj Upadhyay, said. Cops haven't ruled out the murder angle as well. The woman appears to be about 40 years old. Her identity was being ascertained. The body has no injury mark apart from beheading. There was no sign of struggle as well. It could be possible that the killer may have sedated the woman before killing her. UP Man Drowns Wife in River for Refusing to Have Sex With Tantrik.

"The presence of an earthen lamp and a pot near the body suggests that a religious ritual might have taken place. Prima facie it appears that it could be a case of human sacrifice and we are investigating that angle. We have sent police teams to all prominent cremation grounds in Guwahati to check if someone carrying a head has been seen. The hunt for the killer is on," DCP, Guwahati West, KK Chowdhury, was quoted as saying.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 20, 2019 04:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).