A chilling incident came to light on Friday in the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary near Bhubaneswar, sparking fear among local residents. A male skeleton was discovered deep in the forest, with half the body buried underground and the other half exposed above the surface. Scattered remains, including the skull, thigh bones, and other body parts, were found strewn around the site, raising suspicions of foul play.
The discovery occurred in the dense jungle area of the sanctuary, located on the northwest outskirts of Bhubaneswar. According to reports, local people working near the forest spotted the skeleton early Friday morning. They believe the remains may not be recent but could be somewhat old, given their condition. The half-buried state of the body has led locals to suspect it was deliberately hidden by criminals.
Upon receiving the information, officials from the Chandaka police station, along with forest department personnel, rushed to the scene and initiated an investigation. A crowd gathered at the site following the news, but police managed to control the situation. Under the leadership of the Chandaka station officer, the police team is continuing the probe. The condition of the skeleton has fueled suspicions that this could be a case of homicide.
Investigation
A scientific team arrived later to conduct DNA testing and other forensic examinations. Police have begun recording preliminary statements from locals and are checking lists of missing persons. Notably, a person went missing from the area in the previous month, and authorities suspect a possible connection. The police have appealed to local residents for any additional information that could aid the investigation.
Led by the Chandaka Range Officer, forest guards also reached the spot. As Chandaka is a protected area, such an incident has become a matter of concern for forest employees. The forest department is collaborating with the police and has increased regular patrolling in the jungle. Officials confirmed that the skeleton is not related to wildlife but appears to stem from human criminal activity. Forest authorities ensured the remains were not disturbed and kept wild animals at bay to preserve the site.
It is worth noting that the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary spans approximately 193 square kilometers and serves as a habitat for elephants, tigers, deer, and other wild animals. The area has previously witnessed several missing persons cases and criminal incidents, heightening concerns among residents. Locals expressed that such events instill fear in their daily lives and urged the police to swiftly apprehend the culprits.
