Choudwar, Mar 12: The bodies of two brothers were recovered from the Birupa River near the Birupa Barrage on Thursday, prompting a police probe into the incident.

Preliminary investigations have identified the deceased as Debasish Sahoo and Subhasish Sahoo, residents of Mandapada village.

According to locals, the bodies were spotted floating near the barrage, following which the Choudwar police were alerted by the nearby people. Fire Services personnel recovered the bodies from the river.

Residents said the brothers had left the village about a year ago, and their whereabouts were unknown during that period. A motorcycle, believed to belong to them, was found near the river two days ago and subsequently taken into police custody.

The cause of death is yet to be confirmed. The position of the bodies suggested that the brothers may have been holding onto each other, raising suspicions of suicide. However, police have not ruled out foul play and are conducting further investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.