Mystery / Missing boy's body recovered from river in Kendrapada, family cries foul play

Kendrapada, Nov 5: The death of an eight-year-old boy whose body was recovered from a river in Odisha's Kendrapada district has sparked grief and raised serious questions, with family members alleging foul play behind the tragic incident.

The deceased has been identified as Gopal Mallick, the only son of Biswajit Mallick of Narsinghpur Panchayat under Pattamundai block. According to reports, Gopal had been staying at his maternal uncle's house in Sujunpur.

The incident came to light after reports spread that a child had allegedly drowned in the river. Villagers and family members immediately launched a search operation in the area.

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After an extensive search, Gopal was recovered from the river and rushed to Pattamundai Medical Centre for treatment.

However, doctors at the hospital declared him dead on arrival, plunging the family into mourning.

While the initial reports suggested a drowning incident, Gopal's family has expressed suspicion over the circumstances surrounding his death. Family members have alleged that the child may have been murdered and his body thrown into the river in an attempt to conceal the crime.

Acting on their suspicions, the family has lodged a complaint at Pattamundai Rural Police Station demanding a thorough investigation. Sources said Gopal's grandfather has also filed a separate complaint regarding the incident.

Police have initiated an investigation based on both complaints and are examining all possible angles. Authorities are yet to confirm whether the death was the result of an accidental drowning or if there was any criminal involvement.

As investigators work to uncover the truth, residents and family members await answers about what really happened to the eight-year-old.