The decomposed bodies of a young couple—who had been missing for five days—were recovered hanging from a hilltop tree in Kalahandi district on Thursday.
While police have launched an investigation, family members and locals suspect it to be a brutally executed, pre-planned murder disguised as suicide.
The deceased have been identified as Ajit Kumar Naik (son of Prahlad Naik) from Tendasipali village under the Koksara police station limits, and Priyadarshini Naik from the Kendumudi Pada area of Dharmagarh town. According to reports, the couple had been in a relationship and went missing on the night of October 17 during the Durga Puja celebrations. Following their disappearance, missing person reports had been filed by their respective families at the Koksara and Dharmagarh police stations.
On Thursday morning, locals who went into the forest to gather firewood stumbled upon the horrifying sight of the two bodies hanging from the tree canopy. The grim news spread like wildfire, drawing massive crowds to the spot. The bodies were found in an advanced stage of decomposition, with hair falling off due to decay. Family members rushed to the location and positively identified the deceased.
Grave doubts have been raised over the nature of the deaths. Locals and family members pointed out that blood stains were scattered across the bodies, and crucially, both of the victims’ hands appeared to be tied behind their backs. Questioning how anyone could commit suicide in such a state, relatives and local residents have strongly alleged that this is a meticulously planned double murder.
Tensions flared at the scene as the boy’s family accused the girl’s family of involvement. According to the boy’s relatives, members of the girl’s family had been frequently threatening them ever since the couple went missing.
Upon receiving information, Dharmagarh police swiftly rushed to the spot, seized the bodies, and initiated a detailed investigation. Law enforcement authorities are examining all angles—including the domestic tensions and potential honour-killing angles—as post-mortem reports and forensic findings are awaited. Further investigation into the high-profile case is currently underway.
