Human skeletal remains, including a skull, a severed leg, and other bones along with clothing, were recovered on Sunday from the banks of the Suktel River near Kadopani village under Larambha police limits in Bolangir, Odisha, sparking panic among local residents.
According to sources, Sarojini Bariha, a resident of nearby Hirli village, first noticed a severed leg near her house in the morning. Villagers later discovered the skull and additional bones along the riverbank and immediately alerted the police.
While the identity of the deceased is yet to be confirmed, officials suspect the remains may belong to 12-year-old Ghanshyam Bariha, who went missing on January 2. He was reportedly abducted near the same riverbank by two unidentified men on a motorcycle while he was with friends.
Police, assisted by a forensic team, have launched a detailed investigation into the discovery. Locals fear foul play, alleging that the boy may have been killed and his body concealed. Forensic tests are underway to establish the identity of the remains and the cause of death.
Sarojini Bariha recounted, “I woke up in the morning and saw some puppies playing with a piece of bone. I alerted my husband, who confirmed it looked like a foot. We then informed neighbours, and gradually several people gathered to verify the remains. Since a minor boy is missing, we believe it could be him.”
