Cuttack, Mar 5: The body of a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan was found hanging under mysterious circumstances at his rented house in Nua Bazaar area here on Thursday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Dutikrishna Panda. He was posted at the CRPF camp in Jareikela, Rourkela.

According to reports, Panda had returned home to Cuttack on leave for the Holi festival. He was residing in the rented house with his wife and two sons.

Following the incident, police from the Chauliaganj (CRRI) station rushed to the spot after being informed and seized the body.

While the cause of death remains unclear, authorities have seized the body and sent it to SCB Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem examination to ascertain the circumstances.

Family members and neighbours were shocked by the incident, as Panda was reportedly spending time with his family during the festive break.

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Police have initiated an investigation to determine whether the death was a case of suicide or if foul play was involved.

The tragic incident has cast a pall of gloom over the locality, while colleagues and relatives await clarity from the ongoing inquiry.