The body of a 34‑year‑old youth missing for two days was recovered from a black stone quarry in Chandpur, Nayagarh, raising suspicion of a planned murder linked to a family stone crusher business.
The deceased, identified as Pratap Kumar Pattashani of Nuapada village under Karanda Tangi panchayat, went missing on May 15 around 4 PM. On Sunday morning, a woman visiting the quarry spotted the body and alerted his family. Relatives found the body in a decomposed state, emitting a strong odour.
Family members and locals suspect the murder was premeditated and connected to the stone crusher unit operated by Pratap’s father, Nakula Pattashani. Police are investigating whether business rivalry or disputes related to the crusher triggered the killing.
Chandpur police reached the spot, shifted the body for post‑mortem, and detained two suspects for questioning. Officers confirmed that further investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death and identify those responsible.
