In a shocking incident, a headless body of a man was recovered from a riverbank in Badimunda village under Tikabali police limits in Odisha’s Kandhamal district. The deceased has been identified as Pabitra Pradhan.
Following the gruesome discovery, a team from Tikabali Police Station, along with a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) from G. Udayagiri, reached the spot and launched an investigation. A scientific team and sniffer dogs were also pressed into service to gather clues and search for the missing head.
Though the exact reason behind the brutal murder is yet to be confirmed, initial investigations suggest that Pradhan was likely decapitated due to previous enmity. Police suspect a sharp weapon was used in the crime.
According to family members, Pradhan had gone to the riverbank to graze goats but never returned. His family grew suspicious after he stopped answering phone calls.
“Like every day, he went to graze goats near the riverbank. When he didn’t return, we searched for him and found his headless body. We demand his murderer be caught and hanged,” said his grieving daughter.
Speaking to the media, the SDPO said, “We have launched a detailed probe. Neither the family nor villagers have provided any concrete leads so far. However, based on preliminary investigation, this appears to be a clear case of murder due to past enmity.”
The investigation is ongoing as police intensify efforts to nab the culprit.
