Half-burnt, mutilated body of woman found in Odisha’s Bolangir forest; rape-murder suspected

A half-burnt and partially decomposed body of a woman was found inside the forest near Goelpita village, under the jurisdiction of Bandhapada outpost of Bolangir district. The discovery was made on Wednesday when locals noticed a foul smell and informed police.

On reaching the site, police recovered the woman’s half-naked, charred body. Sources reported that the body’s face had been burnt beyond recognition, making identification nearly impossible. Reports added that a woman’s clothing, broken bangles, and other personal items were found scattered nearby, suggesting that the victim may have been sexually assaulted before being set on fire.

Forensic Team Examines Site

A scientific team from the Bolangir police visited the crime scene shortly after the discovery to collect forensic evidence. Samples of ash, clothing, and soil were secured for laboratory analysis.

The team also examined the burn pattern on the body and surrounding vegetation to determine whether the woman was set ablaze at the location or her body was dumped after the crime.

According to preliminary examination, there were clear signs of sexual violence before the fire was set. The remains were sent to the district headquarters hospital for a post-mortem, which stated that sexual assault had occurred prior to the murder. However, police have yet to formally confirm the findings.

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Police Launch Manhunt; Missing Report Traced

Police have registered a case of suspected rape and murder. Investigation teams have been deployed to trace the identity of the woman, who is believed to be between 25 and 35 years old. So far, no missing person report matching the description has been filed in the village.

However, sources reported that a complaint regarding a woman going missing from the nearby Patnagarh could be of concern. Police have called upon the complainant to identify the remains and ascertain the woman’s identity.

As of the last reports, the body has been kept at the mortuary of the Bolangir DHH, and police have yet to issue further updates on the matter.