The preliminary investigations show that the eight youths had used an autorickshaw to whisk away at least two victims. The driver, resident of Bhavani Peth, is being interrogated.

The body of a suspected victim was found at Taljai a year back. A case of murder was lodged by the Haveli police. However, the identity could not be established as the body was decapitated and burnt beyond recognition.

The police are considering use of sophisticated methods like DNA tests and skull superimposing tests for identification. Bodies of other victims are still to be found. They could have been devoured up by animals.

The suspects -- Mangesh alias Mangilal Kunaji Solanki (20), Anya alias Bhagyavant Ankush Jadhav (20), Nilesh Nathuram Kamble (18), Pappya alias Santosh Gulab Patole (20), Hanumanth alias Hanya Ankush Jadhav (18), Dashrath alias Dashya Balu Devavat (18), Dada Manik Nipankrar (18), and Manik Balu Devavat (20) -- have been remanded to police custody till October 17. They will be produced in a court for extension in police custody tomorrow.

The youths were arrested by Sahakarnagar police for suspected involvement in a theft. During interrogations, they admitted to having murdered Gautam Bapu Kamble (15), Sunita Bansi Kasbe (15), Ashok Mohan Gaikwad (18) and Rajesh M Balvadkar (16), who were believed missing.

The relatives of the four children have filed fresh first information reports (FIRs) accusing the youths of murder. The FIR by Gautam Kamble's mother alleged that Mangesh Solanki whisked away her son to Khandala ghat and murdered him on September 25, 1996 because the teenager was aware of Solanki's illicit relationship with a married woman.

Sunita Kasabe's mother's FIR accuses Mangesh Solanki and Hanumant Jadhav of murdering the mentally handicapped girl atop the Taljai hills on September 3, 1997 because the girl was insisting on marriage with Solanki.

Ashok Gaikwad's brother Raju has lodged a complaint alleging that Manik Devavat and Mangesh Solanki murdered Ashok atop Taljai hills on September 25, 1997 following a squabble over Ashok's illicit relationship with a married woman. Later, the killers poured petrol on Ashok's body and set it afire, it added.