Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police has made a major breakthrough in the discovery of human skeleton in the Chandaka wildlife sanctuary forest.
The finding related to the murder case of 72-year-old Balaram Deogam, whose skeletal remains were found in forest two days ago. Two persons, Kanhei Hembram and Rama Samada, both from the same village as the deceased, have been arrested in connection with the crime.
According to Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh, the investigation involved a thorough forensic examination of the crime scene and identification of personal items belonging to the victim. The accused were driven by a motive rooted in superstition, believing that Balaram was responsible for the deaths of their family members through witchcraft.
The police revealed that Kanhei Hembram, a forest watchman, conspired with his friend Rama to avenge his father’s death, which he attributed to Balaram’s alleged witchcraft. On September 30, the duo ambushed Balaram, strangled him, and buried his body in the forest.
The police recovered key evidence, including a torch, water bottle, and lathi, from the crime scene, based on the accused’s confession. The accused have been produced in court, and police have applied for a 15-day remand for further investigation.
