Gir Somnath (Gujarat): A family in Dhara Gir Village of Gir Somnath district has been accused of killing their 14-year-old daughter, police said on Thursday.

The police and Forensic Science Laboratory team were collecting evidence in the case after the villagers informed the police that the family had sacrificed their daughter on Navratri’s Atham (October 3) for financial benefits, and her death was not registered with the village panchayat. The villagers alleged that the minor’s body was cremated on the family’s farm at midnight.

Gir Somnath District Superintendent of Police Manoharsinh Jadeja told the local media that the parents were the suspects in the mysterious death of the minor.

Police collected her ashes from the farm of Bhavesh Akabari on Wednesday. “During questioning, the father Bhavesh is constantly changing his statements. An FSL report can guide police in further investigation,” said a police source.

According to a police officer, the girl was studying in Surat, where Bhavesh had his business. For unknown reasons, the parents took her leaving certificate from the school and brought her to the native village, and kept her on the farm.

Villagers are alleging that the child was sacrificed on October 3rd night with the hope that it will bring prosperity to the family. The family also had a false notion that the child would be reborn, so they kept the body for four days. After that in the presence of very few family members and relatives, the child was cremated on the farm which created suspicion among some villagers who informed the police.