India | Updated Jun 16, 2007 at 01:52pm IST

Semi-nude kids' bodies found

New Delhi: Mutilated and semi-nude bodies of four children were found in Muktsar district on Tuesday evening.

CNN-IBN correspondent Jyoti Kamal reports that the bodies were discovered near a rice mill owned by former Congress MP Jagmeet Brar in the Muktsar district.

The children were reportedly half-burnt and had their hands and feet tied up.

According to news agency PTI, the bodies - that were of two girls and two boys aged between nine and 13 years - have been sent for an autopsy.

The police suspect the children were labourers, but have refused to divulge any more details.

Police personnel deployed for the 'Maghi Mela' found the bodies after they detected a foul odour emanating from the mill, which Brar said had been closed for five years.

On being contacted, Brar told PTI on phone from Delhi that he had rented out the mill for the past 15 years and it had been closed for five years.

"This is an unfortunate incident. There were earlier thefts at the mill and complaints about these were lodged by

the local residents," Brar was quoted as saying.

While it’s still early to say whether an organ trade link can be established, the incident assumes significance in the light of the upcoming Punjab Assembly polls.

Brar also told PTI that he was prepared to face a probe into the matter and alleged his political opponents were out to malign his image.

Police said a case has been registered and further investigations were on.

The main Opposition Shiromani Akali Dal has demanded an inquiry by a Central agency into the incident.

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