India, Oct. 21 -- A retired teacher in Madhya Pradesh's Indore allegedly thrashed minor girls on suspicion of theft of Rs.500. She had invited them home for 'kanya bhoj', a Navratri ritual.

The accused, identified as Anita, allegedly thrashed the girls and held them captive on suspicion of stealing the money, news agency PTI reported, citing police on Wednesday.

The accused is reportedly a retired teacher living in the MIG police station area.

According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotiya, Anita had invited seven girls, between the ages of 8 and 11, to her home on Tuesday for the "kanya bhoj", the report said.

However, during the rituals, an envelope with Rs.500 inside reportedly went missing.

After this, the...