Minor Girl and Youth Found Hanging in Kalahandi, Honour Killing Suspected

The bodies of a 17-year-old girl and a 21-year-old man were discovered hanging from a tree in a forest near Behera under Koksara police limits on Thursday, five days after they went missing. Their hands were reportedly tied behind their backs, and bloodstains were found on their bodies, raising suspicions of murder.

The deceased were identified as Ajit Kumar Naik of Tendapali village and a girl from Kendumudipada in Dharamgarh town. Both went missing on the night of October 17 during Durga Puja celebrations. Their families subsequently filed missing persons reports at Koksara and Dharamgarh police stations.

Villagers collecting firewood discovered the bodies on Thursday morning. Police are investigating the possibility of a premeditated murder, including suspected honour killing, although the motive has not been confirmed.

Dharamgarh SDPO Varshitha Addapu said the bodies had been sent for postmortem examination and that all possible angles were being investigated. Police said further details would emerge after the postmortem report.