In a shocking discovery, a human skeleton was found in a cashew forest near Baunshbani under Chandua police limits in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on Monday. Villagers reportedly came across scattered human bones while venturing into the forest, prompting immediate action.

Upon receiving the information, Chandua police officials, accompanied by a scientific investigation team, reached the site. The Additional Tehsildar of Kuliana was also present as a magistrate during the recovery operation.

Family members suspect that the skeletal remains could belong to 53-year-old Lakhai Majhi of Chalunia village, who went missing in September last year. According to Lakhai’s nephew, his uncle had left home and never returned, and a missing person complaint had been lodged at Chandua police station on September 24. A shirt found near the skeletal remains reportedly belongs to Lakhai, further fueling the family’s suspicion.

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The police have collected the bones and confirmed that DNA testing will be conducted to establish the identity by comparing samples with family members. Meanwhile, villagers have raised questions about the circumstances of the discovery, noting that the skeleton was found only 15–20 feet from a commonly used path. Some believe the remains might have been moved and dumped in the forest.

Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the identity of the deceased and the circumstances leading to the death, aiming to bring clarity to this mysterious case.