The body of a woman, who was missing for the past two days, was recovered from Susabhanali village under Jharabada panchayat in the Pallahara police station area of Angul district, triggering panic and outrage among locals.
The deceased has been identified as Jan Munda, a resident of Susabhanali village. Preliminary findings suggest that the woman was brutally murdered. Sources said she was allegedly bludgeoned with stones, and her throat was slit. Her body was found lying near a heap of fallen leaves on the outskirts of the village.
According to family members, the woman had left home for work on Monday, as per her routine, but failed to return. When repeated searches yielded no result, a missing complaint was lodged with the police.
On Wednesday, villagers spotted the body at a nearby location and immediately informed the family and the police.
A preliminary examination revealed multiple grievous injuries, including deep cuts on the neck and severe facial injuries caused by stone assault, pointing to a gruesome murder.
On receiving information, police rushed to the spot, recovered the body, and sent it for post-mortem examination. A case has been registered, and a detailed investigation has been launched to ascertain the motive behind the crime and identify those involved.
Police officials said all angles are being investigated, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest the accused.