Keonjhar, July 4: In a chilling incident, the decomposed bodies of a tribal couple who had been missing for the past seven days were recovered from an abandoned well in a forest near Hullabahali Sahi of Baliparbat village in Odisha's Keonjhar district on Friday. Police suspect the murders may be linked to allegations of witchcraft.
The deceased have been identified as Khageswar Soren and Tuni Soren. The couple had been missing since June 25. Family members had searched extensively for them but failed to trace their whereabouts.
The bodies were spotted by locals inside an abandoned well in the nearby forest, following which police reached the spot and, with the help of local residents, recovered the remains. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination.
Police have detained five persons for questioning in connection with the case. While a witchcraft-related motive is being probed, investigators have not ruled out other possible angles.
Officials said the exact cause of death and motive behind the crime will be ascertained after the post-mortem report is received and the investigation is completed.
