The half-burnt body of a woman, identified as Sashi Paghad (50), was found under mysterious circumstances in Balbaspur area under Sason police limits of Sambalpur on Saturday morning.
Upon receiving information, the Sason police, accompanied by a dog squad and forensic team, swiftly reached the location to initiate an investigation. The preliminary findings revealed that the deceased, a widow residing in Hirakud with her son, daughter, and grandchildren, likely died on Friday night.
While the body showed signs of burning, the face was notably distorted, and investigators discovered a head injury. The authorities seized the body for autopsy, and evidence collected at the scene by the forensic team has been sent for examination.
Official sources disclosed the presence of liquor bottles, snacks, and bundles of straw and hay near the body. Intriguingly, no mobile phone was recovered from the site, adding an element of mystery to the unfolding investigation.