Balangir, May 16: Today is Savitri Brata -- an auspicious occasion when married women across Odisha observe a fast and pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands. But in a grim contrast to the spirit of the festival, a woman was allegedly murdered by her husband in Balangir district, a source said Saturday.

The incident was reported from Digsira panchayat in Titilagarh area of Odisha's Balangir district, where the body of a married woman was found.

The deceased was identified as Sasmita Rana from Gandharla village. She had married Rabin Rana, a resident of Gaudtula village, around a year ago.

According to the woman’s family members, Sasmita had been facing continuous domestic disputes since her marriage. They alleged that her husband, Rabin Rana, murdered her.

Police said the exact reason behind the death is yet to be ascertained, and it remains unclear whether the incident was linked to family discord or some other issue.

After receiving information, cops from Titilagarh Police Station and Sindhekela Police Station reached the spot, seized the body and launched an investigation.

Also Read: Odisha Woman Receives Instagram Message, Falls In Love & Then Comes The Nightmare; Two Arrested

Teen Girl Drowns
In a separate incident, an 18-year-old girl allegedly drowned while bathing in the Undera river near Khairkhunta village under Titilagarh Police Station limits in Odisha’s Balangir district.

The deceased was identified as Sumitra Deep, daughter of Umakant Deep of Khairkhunta village.

According to the source, Sumitra had gone to the river with her friends for bathing in the morning when she accidentally slipped into deep water and drowned. After receiving information from villagers, personnel of the Fire Services department, with the help of local youths, launched a rescue operation and recovered the girl from the river. However, she was found dead by then. The body was later shifted to Titilagarh Sub-divisional Hospital in an ambulance for post-mortem examination.