Kochi, Jan 22 (IANS): The Kerala High Court on Monday dismissed the bail application of Laila Bhagaval Singh, one of the key accused in the October 2022 human sacrifice case.

The case pertaining to two women being murdered, allegedly as part of a human sacrifice ritual, came to light in the State when the dismembered bodies of the victims were recovered from the house of Laila and her husband Bhagaval Singh at Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta District.

Three people – including the husband of Laila and another so-called agent Mohammed Shafi who brought the two victims to the house of the couple were arrested.

They have been in judicial custody since then. The victims were lottery ticket sellers in Ernakulam District.

The court pointed out that bail cannot be given after going through the case and the role played by the petitioner.

The court said it would be sending a wrong message to similar criminals. While dismissing the bail plea, the court asked the trial court to conduct a speedy trial.