A 65-year-old woman has been arrested in Karnataka's Chikkaballapur district for allegedly performing a black magic ritual inside a courtroom in an attempt to secure a favourable verdict in a pending family civil dispute. The incident, which reportedly took place on July 9, came to light after court officials reviewed CCTV footage and lodged a police complaint.

The accused, identified as Manjula, was produced before a local court after her arrest and has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody. Police said they are also investigating whether any other person was involved in the alleged act.

Mustard Seeds Found on Judge's Desk

According to the police, the incident occurred at around 9:40 am inside the courtroom of the First Additional Senior Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class in Chikkaballapur.

Investigators alleged that the woman entered the courtroom during working hours and scattered white mustard seeds, believed to have been used in a ritual associated with black magic, on the judge's chair and the dais.

Court staff later noticed the mustard seeds on the judge's desk, prompting officials to examine CCTV footage installed inside the courtroom.

CCTV Footage Led to Identification

The court administration stated that CCTV footage allegedly captured the woman entering the open courtroom and placing the mustard seeds around the judge's chair.

Following the discovery, the Chief Administrative Officer of the court lodged a formal complaint with the Chikkaballapur Town Police, based on which a criminal case was registered.

Police subsequently traced and arrested the accused.

Investigation Underway

Officials said preliminary questioning indicated that the woman allegedly believed the ritual would influence the outcome of a family-related civil case pending before the court.

Police, however, are continuing their investigation to determine whether she acted alone or if anyone encouraged or assisted her in carrying out the alleged ritual.

Authorities have not disclosed additional details about the pending civil case.

Similar Incident Reported in Delhi

The incident has drawn comparisons with a case reported last year at Delhi's Tis Hazari Court, where a doctor facing a murder trial allegedly scattered rice grains inside a courtroom before proceedings began.

The act disrupted court proceedings for nearly 20 minutes, with some lawyers describing it as an attempt at black magic or witchcraft. The presiding judge imposed a ₹2,000 fine on the accused and remanded him to court custody for one day before he paid the penalty.

Case Under Judicial Process

The Karnataka Police have said the investigation remains in progress and further action will depend on the evidence collected during the probe.

Meanwhile, the accused will remain in judicial custody as investigators examine all aspects of the case, including the motive behind the alleged ritual and whether it involved any larger conspiracy.