BHUBANESWAR: In a disturbing discovery on Monday morning, police recovered the body of an unidentified man from the fringes of the Chandaka forest, triggering a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to officials, the body was first spotted by local residents of Godibari village, who had ventured into the area for their daily activities. The man was lying motionless near a patch of shrubland, not far from a village pathway commonly used by commuters. Shocked villagers immediately alerted the authorities.
A team from Chandaka police station promptly arrived at the location and cordoned off the area. Officers conducted an initial inspection and secured the body for further examination. A scooter, believed to belong to the deceased, was found a short distance away, raising questions about whether he had been travelling alone or if someone else was involved in the incident.
Police have not yet confirmed the man’s identity, age, or the possible cause of death. However, officers indicated that there were no immediate signs of external injuries visible during the preliminary inspection. The body has been sent for post-mortem to ascertain whether the death resulted from natural causes, an accident, or foul play.
Residents of Godibari expressed concern over the discovery, noting that although the area borders dense forestland, such incidents are rare. Several locals told police they did not hear or witness anything unusual the previous night, leaving investigators with limited initial clues.
Authorities are now examining the scooter for registration details and any personal belongings that could help identify the man. Police sources said they are also checking recent missing-person reports from Bhubaneswar and nearby districts to determine whether the deceased matches any existing descriptions.
The Chandaka forest region, known for its wildlife sanctuary and scattered human settlements, witnesses frequent movement of locals, forest staff, and commuters. Police are exploring all angles — including the possibility that the man may have suffered a medical emergency, been involved in an accident, or encountered danger in the isolated patch of forest.
Officers are also expected to speak with residents of surrounding villages and review any available CCTV footage from nearby roads to trace the scooter’s last movement.
As the investigation progresses, authorities have urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist in identifying the deceased or clarifying the events leading to his death. Further details are awaited pending forensic and post-mortem reports.
