Missing youth’s skeletal remains found hanging from tree in Odisha forest

In a shocking development, the skeletal remains of a youth who had been missing for over a month were recovered hanging from a tree in the Gogua forest under Redhakhol police limits of Sambalpur district on Thursday.

The deceased has been identified as Sanjay Sabar, an 18-year-old resident of Balat village under Kisinda police limits in Sambalpur district. 

According to reports, he had been working as a labourer at a poultry farm in the Badabahal area of Rairakhol.

Sanjay had gone missing since July 7. On Thursday, locals spotted a skeleton hanging from a tree in the nearby forest and informed the police. The family of the deceased identified him based on the slippers and trousers found at the spot.

While the exact cause of death remains unclear, the family suspects foul play and alleges murder. Police have launched an investigation and said the cause of death will be confirmed after a scientific examination.

“He was working at a poultry farm in Rairakhol. He was missing since July 5,” said Arata Sabar, a relative of the deceased.

“As per the initial investigation, Sanjay Sabar, aged around 17-18 years, left for Chattarpur from his village on July 7. After staying at Chattarpur for a day, he left for Rairakhol but never reached there. His mortal remains were found today. 

“An unnatural death case has been registered and the investigation is underway,” said Prashant Meher, Rairakhol SDPO.