A human skeleton was recovered today from the Gulmi forest under the Muribahal police limits in Bolangir district.
Police confirmed that the remains belonged to Dulari Putel, an elderly woman from Dadhiapadar village who had gone missing earlier this month.
Family members identified the skeleton at the site. Reports said Dulari went to the forest on March 10 to collect mahua flowers but never returned home. Her son lodged a missing person complaint at Muribahal police station on March 13.
Local villagers spotted the skeleton inside the forest and immediately informed the police. Officers reached the location, began an investigation, and alerted the family. The presence of clothing and belongings helped relatives confirm the identity.
Officials stated that wild animals likely attacked the body after death, leaving only skeletal remains. The exact circumstances of her death remain unclear. Police registered an unnatural death case (2/2026) and seized the remains for further examination.
SDPO Laxmi Narayan Marandi and Muribahal IIC Bulu Munda visited the site and supervised the investigation. Authorities assured that they will continue inquiries to determine how the elderly woman died.
