A violent incident unfolded at Gadiajore village under Dharmagarh police station in Kalahandi district on Sunday, leaving a retired ANM supervisor Suchitra Khuntia dead. She was allegedly strangled by intruders who had broken into her home around 8 pm, during a temporary power outage in the village.

Khuntia, who retired last December from Parla Hospital, lived alone in Gadiajore despite her husband and two sons residing in Bhubaneswar. 

Reports indicate that the assailants looted all valuables, including the gold she was wearing, before attempting to escape on her scooter. The vehicle ran out of fuel about seven kilometres from her home, forcing them to abandon it.

Investigation Underway

The crime was discovered after one of Khuntia’s hospital colleagues spotted the abandoned scooter and tried contacting her. Her husband, alerted by a local ASHA worker, returned home only to find her body. 

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Police were informed immediately, and scientific teams, along with a sniffer dog squad, began a detailed investigation at the scene.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the village as it occurred during bustling evening hours. Authorities continue to probe the case to trace the suspects involved in the brutal robbery-murder.