Three Detained After Police Raid Masonic Lodge in Madagascar:
Madagascar is investigating a possible link between a Masonic lodge and a wave of disappearances and killings that has alarmed the country. Police raided the Étoile Australe lodge in Ivandry and detained three suspects, including an education official.
Authorities reportedly found a coffin containing human remains, bladed objects, an altar and documents concerning rituals.
A prosecutor said the possibility of a sacrifice was being considered and investigators were examining whether secret-society meetings could be connected to kidnappings.
Nearly 200 disappearances had been reported by early August, although most of those missing were later found alive. Six were found dead. The investigation remains ongoing.
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