Crime Mystery / Skeleton Found in Nayagada Sparks Identity Dispute as DNA Test Ordered

Nayagada, Aug 24: A human skeleton recovered from Benta jungle near NH‑16 under Chandapur police station has triggered fresh controversy, as two families claim it belongs to their missing kin. The incident has left police grappling with conflicting claims and awaiting forensic clarity.

On August 19, police recovered a decomposed skeleton from a drain in Benta jungle. The body was found wearing blue trousers, leading locals to initially identify it as belonging to Kalia Sahoo of Ostapada village.

The remains were sent to SCB Medical College, Kataka, for post‑mortem and forensic examination.

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However, the case took a new turn when Rajendra Mahapatra of Gopalpur in Jajpur district claimed the skeleton was his son Divya’s. He identified the remains through clothes, a bracelet, and a chain found nearby.

Divya, who worked at a prawn processing unit near Bent, had been missing for several days, with his phone switched off. The skeleton was discovered barely 200 metres from his workplace.

The Mahapatra family has alleged foul play, claiming Divya was murdered. Meanwhile, Kalia Sahoo’s family continues to insist the remains are his.

With two families staking claims, police have collected blood samples from both households and sent them for DNA testing to establish the identity conclusively.

Saranakul SDPO Deeptakanta Pradhan stated, “The DNA test report will confirm whose skeleton it is. Both Kalia and Divya are missing, and we are investigating all angles. The post‑mortem report will also reveal the cause of death.”

The discovery has raised tension in the area, with families demanding justice and clarity. Police say only after DNA and forensic reports are received will the mystery be resolved. Until then, the skeleton remains at the centre of a grim tug‑of‑war between two grieving families.