The investigation into the recent murder case in Odisha’s Malkangiri district has taken a significant turn after police recovered the severed head of a woman nearly 40 kilometres from the spot where her headless body was discovered last week.
According to sources, the head was found near a riverbank close to a Kanya Ashram in Rakhelguda during a follow-up investigation. Officers rushed to the scene after villagers alerted authorities to the discovery.
The woman’s headless body was recovered on December 4, a day after she was reported missing. The absence of the head had sparked tension between MV-26 and Rakhelguda villages, leading to disputes and unrest in the area over the past several days.
Villages Caught in Dispute
Investigators stated that the missing head had contributed to prolonged disagreements between the two neighbouring villages. Both sides raised allegations and objections following the murder, with confrontations continuing until today’s recovery. Police confirmed that villagers informed them about the suspicious presence near the river that led to the discovery.
Incident That Triggered Unrest
The woman, a resident of Rakhelguda, went missing on December 3. Her headless body was found the next day along the Dudameta riverbank, triggering widespread unease. Large gatherings, confrontations, and increased tension were reported across several localities.
Police had launched extensive search operations to recover the missing body part, even as forensic examinations continued on the remains already secured. The recovery of the severed head is now expected to help investigators reconstruct the sequence of events.
Peace Talks Already Held
A district-level peace committee meeting was held in Malkangiri on Tuesday in response to rising tensions. Senior officers, including the DIG and the Superintendent of Police, met with village representatives from both MV-26 and Rakhelguda.
The SP confirmed that a peace pact had been facilitated. However, legal restrictions and security deployment remained in place to maintain order and prevent further escalation.
Investigation Continues
Police have confirmed that the severed head has now been secured as part of the ongoing murder probe. Forensic examination and additional investigative procedures are underway as authorities work to determine the circumstances behind the gruesome incident.
