Bhubaneswar, Nov. 24: Puri police today detained a sorcerer in connection with the seizure of 21 human skulls and bones from under a bridge over Kushabhadra river near Konark.

The cops have also sent the craniums, skeletons and bones to the Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (FMT) Department of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for examination.

The suspected occult practitioner was identified as Padmalochan Mohapatra alias Padia Baba of Gop area.

“We are questioning him to find out if there was any foul play involved,” said a senior police officer of Ramchandi police station.

Padia baba, who had set up a Kali temple here, was known to have been practising tantra using skulls and therefore the police picked him up.

“Another baba staying in this temple used to practise black magic with these human body parts. After his death, I threw them in the river,” said the sorcerer.

Local people said the accused and his accomplices used to be involved in such practices and were using the skulls to gain trust of gullible people.

“We have been seeing him for the past several years. He and his friends were using skulls for their rituals,” said Nakul, a local resident.

Puri police chief Ashish Kumar said the accused was being interrogated and the case is under investigation.

“We are looking for other angles in this case and involvement of other people. We will book the sorcerer under the prevention of witch hunting bill 2013 that declares practice of black magic illegal,” said Kumar.

The incident held more importance for the police, as the skulls were found on the road that has been used mostly by tourists. People feared such practices would affect the tourism in this area.