A cloud of mystery surrounds the death of 20-year-old Yemanta Meher from Patkulunda village in Barapali block, whose lifeless body was discovered near a local canal late last night.
The youth had reportedly left home after speaking with his father, Bhanu Meher, saying he was going for a walk near the canal. When he failed to return for hours and did not respond to repeated phone calls, his father went searching and found the canal half-drained and Yemanta lying motionless nearby.
Local police were alerted immediately. Officers from the nearby outpost arrived at the scene and confirmed the youth was dead. Barapali Police Station Officer Jayarashmi Sethi reached the location and initiated a scientific investigation, assisted by a sniffer dog team.
While the cause of death remains unclear, police are exploring all angles, including murder, suicide, or accidental death. The body has been sent for postmortem, and officials say the report will shed light on the actual circumstances.
This incident comes amid rising concerns in the region over increasing cases of suspicious deaths, thefts, and assaults. Just two days ago, a woman was robbed of her gold chain in broad daylight at Balitikra Chhak, with the accused fleeing the scene effortlessly.
