Crime News / CCTV Captures Final Walk Before Kalahandi Woman’s Mu*der In Kataka

Kataka, Oct 13: A woman from Kalahandi district was allegedly brought to Kataka and brutally mu*dered on the banks of the Kathajodi river, with police investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing and searching for the accused.

The deceased was identified as Gauri Bhoi from Budukapada in Bilat village under Narla police station limits in Kalahandi district. Her body was found on the evening of October 7 at Jaleswar Gada along the Kathajodi Ring Road, near Raja Bagicha in Kataka, within the limits of Badambadi police station.

Initial reports said her face had been severely damaged and her hair cut, making identification difficult. Police also found a deep cut on her neck. The body was reportedly dragged about 50 metres before being left at the spot.

Here's What Cops Found
Police reportedly found the words 'Abinash-Gauri' written on her hand. Police also recovered a plastic mat, two steel plates, rice and other items from the spot.

According to a source, CCTV footage showed a suspect getting off a bus at Kataka Netaji Bus Terminal and walking with the woman towards the riverbank.

The accused remains at large.

Also Read: Man Arrested for Killing Elder Brother Over Land Dispute in Kandhamal District

Husband In Jail, Questions Remain Over Motive
According to her family, Gouri married Abinash Sahoo of Rupra Road in 2017 and had been living in Bhawanipatna. Her husband is currently serving a prison sentence at Madanpur Rampur sub-jail in connection with another case.

Police sources said the suspect has a previous criminal record, including theft. Police are also examining the possibility of sexual assault before the murder. Swab samples have been sent to a forensic laboratory in Bhubaneswar for analysis.

The killing has raised questions about why Gauri travelled to Kataka and what relationship she had with the suspect. However, the circumstances surrounding her visit and the motive for the murder have not yet been established.

The Commissionerate Police are investigating the case with assistance from Kalahandi police. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses and the suspect is traced.