A shocking incident unfolded in Malkangiri district when villagers discovered the headless body of a woman floating in the Poteru river near Dudumetla village on December 5.
The deceased has been identified as Lake Padiami, aged 51, a widow from Rakhelguda village under Maribeda panchayat in Korukonda block. She had gone to work on her farmland on December 1 but never returned home. Her family lodged a missing persons complaint at the Korukonda police station on Wednesday.
On Friday morning, villagers spotted her body stuck to a tree near the riverbank and immediately informed the police. Officers reached the spot, recovered the body, and began an investigation.
Family members alleged that three individuals from MV-26 village, whose land borders the victim’s property, were involved in the crime. They claimed that disputes over farmland had persisted for years. Based on the complaint, police registered Case No. 197/25 at the Korukonda police station.
Police detained suspects for questioning and initiated a thorough probe. A scientific team from Koraput also arrived at the site to assist in evidence collection. Authorities confirmed that the search for the missing head is ongoing.
Station Officer Himanshu Shekhar Barik stated that identifying and apprehending the culprits remains a major challenge. The investigation continues as police work to uncover the motive and circumstances behind the gruesome incident.
ALSO READ: Odisha Matric Exams to Begin February 19, Timetable Released
