Bhubaneswar: In a major development in the case involving the recovery of a headless body near Baramunda bus stand on July 26, the Commissionerate Police have detained two persons.

Police sources said the incident was initially suspected to be a case of murder. However, an investigation of CCTV footage revealed the body had been dragged by a vehicle for nearly two kilometres before being dumped near the Baramunda bus stand in the early hours of Sunday.

The deceased has been identified as Hadu Mallick, a resident of Khordha. According to reports, Mallick was travelling towards Bhubaneswar on a two-wheeler along with another person. Due to heavy rain and waterlogging, they parked their vehicle and stood near a foot-over bridge in Patrapada.

During this time, an unidentified vehicle hit Mallick. He was then struck again by another vehicle, which dragged him up to the Baramunda bus stand. Mallick died in the incident, while the other person accompanying him sustained critical injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

Following the incident, police launched a search to trace the vehicle and driver involved. On Tuesday evening, they identified a Hyundai Creta (registration number OD07AY2498) and detained two individuals, the driver and the owner, from the Gosain Nuagaon area in Brahmapur.

Further investigation into the case is ongoing.