Balangir: A 45-year-old unmarried woman was allegedly bludgeoned to death after unidentified assailants entered her house at Khamarmunda village under Puintala block in this district, police said.
The deceased was identified as Geetanjali Sadangi, who lived alone in the village.
She was allegedly attacked with a heavy object and suffered fatal head injuries.
Puintala police reached the spot Sunday and launched an investigation.
A forensic team examined the crime scene for evidence, while a dog squad was deployed in the evening to assist in tracing the assailants.
Police suspect that the attackers entered the house Saturday night, assaulted the woman and struck her on the head with a heavy object before fleeing the scene.
No one in the village has reportedly seen the assailants. The motive for the killing has not yet been established.
However, local residents have been discussing a possible link to land transactions and financial dealings involving the woman.
Police have not confirmed the claims.
The family has demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killing. Further investigation is underway to identify the accused and establish the motive behind the murder