Kendrapara, June 5: A decomposed body suspected to be that of a missing youth was recovered from Baramania wetland under Petapada Panchayat in Kendrapara district on Friday, nine days after his alleged abduction and assault. The discovery has sparked tension in the area, prompting police to intensify their investigation.
The deceased is suspected to be Gouranga Sethi (20), a resident of Mahadeipatana village under Batipada Panchayat within Aul police limits. A blue vest, strands of hair and scattered skeletal remains were found near the body, leading investigators to suspect that the remains belong to the missing youth.
According to police sources, Gouranga had reportedly been involved in a dispute over the breaking of a vehicle's window belonging to a fellow villager. The disagreement allegedly escalated on May 28, when a group of youths from the village reportedly tied his hands and legs and assaulted him near Sahira sand quarry and later near Adarsha Pokhari.
The attackers allegedly abducted Gouranga after the assault and took him to an unknown location. His father, Arun Sethi, lodged a complaint with Aul police on May 29, following which an investigation was launched.
After an extensive nine-day search, police recovered the decomposed body from the Baramania wetland area. A scientific team has joined the investigation and is collecting evidence from the spot to establish the identity of the deceased and determine the cause of death.
The incident has triggered concern and unrest among local residents, while police continue their probe into the alleged abduction and suspected murder.
