Cuttack, Jun 4: The recovery of a young woman's body from the Kathajodi River near Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Setu once again brought focus on a series of mysterious deaths reported from riverbanks under the Commissionerate Police limits in recent weeks.

The body was recovered from the Kathajodi River in Cuttack on Thursday morning, a source said.

The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, with investigators probing whether it was a case of su*cide or homicide.

The deceased was identified as Chandrika Hembram, daughter of Bhaju Hembram and a native of Udala in Mayurbhanj district.

According to the source, locals out on a morning walk around 5 am spotted a purple-coloured bag and a slipper lying on Netaji Setu. As they searched for the owner, they noticed a woman's body floating in the Kathajodi River and suspected the belongings belonged to the deceased.

On being informed, personnel from Barang Police Station and the Fire Services department reached the spot and recovered the body from the river.

Police said the woman was wearing blue jeans and a black shirt. Subsequently, the body was sent to SCB Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Investigators seized the bag and slipper found on the bridge and launched an inquiry into the circumstances leading to her death.

Police are trying to ascertain how Chandrika reached the area, whether she jumped into the river, or if any foul play was involved. The exact cause of death is expected to be determined after the post-mortem report is received.

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The incident has drawn attention as it comes days after police recovered the bodies of two unidentified women from different stretches of the Kathajodi River.

On May 21, an unidentified woman's half-buried body was recovered from the Kathajodi riverbed near Brahmangan village under the jurisdiction of Barang Police Station. Investigators are yet to establish the woman's identity or determine how she reached the spot.

Similarly, on May 25, another woman's body was recovered from the Kathajodi River near Rajabagicha under Purighat Police Station limits in Cuttack. Police have so far not been able to ascertain the identity of the deceased or the circumstances surrounding her death.

While police have launched inquiries in all three cases, the identities of the women found on May 21 and May 25 remain unknown, and the exact causes of death are yet to be established.

Investigators are examining all possible angles, including accident, su*cide and criminal involvement. Whether the three incidents are isolated cases or have any connection remains unclear at this stage.