Rajnagar: The body of a seven-year-old girl, who had been reported missing, was recovered from a canal near Badakolla village under Chandibaunsamul panchayat in Kendrapara Friday, with police detaining two persons on suspicion of murder.
The deceased, identified as Shubhalaxmi Senapati, had gone missing around 11 am Thursday while playing with other children near a kirtan venue in the village.
Despite extensive searches by family members, police and fire services, she could not be traced.
Her body was found floating under a culvert in a nearby canal Friday and was retrieved by fire service personnel.
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She was taken to Rajnagar Community Health Centre, where doctors declared her dead.
The body has been sent to Kendrapara District Headquarters Hospital for a post-mortem.
During the investigation, a sniffer dog repeatedly led police to a neighbouring house, prompting the detention of a man and his son for questioning.
Police sources said the canine unit entered the residence and later moved towards the canal, indicating a possible link.
Kendrapara Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kataria visited the spot and supervised the investigation, while a scientific team also conducted an on-site inquiry.
Family members had earlier alleged that the neighbour had issued threats following the death of his grandson in a drowning incident five months ago.
Police are probing all angles, including possible foul play.
The incident has triggered tension and grief in the area, with locals demanding a thorough investigation.