Pattamundai: The partially charred and decomposed body of a woman was recovered Sunday from a municipal vending zone cabin in front of the LIC office under Pattamundai Model Police Station in Kendrapara district.
The deceased was identified as Bandita Raut of Narendra¬pur village under Aul police station.
Sources said her husband works abroad, while she has been living in Belatala village for the past one and a half years to in view of her 8-year-old son’s studies.
Police said Bandita went missing August 28 after leaving her son at home to visit the local market.
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When she did not return, her mother lodged a missing person complaint at Pattamundai Model Police Station.
A case (81/2025) was registered, and an investigation was launched.
On Sunday morning, her decomposed body was found inside the locked vending zone cabin.
Police, assisted by a scientific team, recovered the partially burnt body and sent it for a post-mortem.
A fresh case (266/2025) has been registered, IIC Bandana Patra said. Police sources said the cabin was allotted by the municipality in the name of Amulya Nayak of Belatala, who had rented it to Susanta Parida aka Chakuli of Bari area in Jajpur district. The cabin had been closed for several days.
When Nayak opened it Sunday, he noticed a foul smell and alerted the police.
Bandita’s brother, Arabinda Jena of Bodhagaon village under Pattamundai rural limits, alleged foul play.
He said Chakuli had borrowed money from Bandita and called her August 28 for repayment.
Leaving her son behind, she went to meet him but never returned. Her family alleged Chakuli killed her to avoid repaying the loan.
They protested at Pattamundai Sub-Divisional Hospital, refusing to allow post-mortem until the accused was arrested.
SDPO Kshamasagar Panda later intervened, and the body was sent to Aul Community Health Centre for autopsy.
Locals have raised questions as to how the cabin, locked for four days, was opened; how the key was obtained, and whether others were involved. Police said an investigation is underway.
PNN
