Karanjia: In a shocking incident, a man was found hanging from a tree in a forest in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district days after he allegedly killed his wife and went missing, police said on Saturday.

The deceased has been identified as Ramchandra Tudu Hansda of Balibhal village under Patbil panchayat in Karanjia police limits. He had allegedly been absconding since May 27 following the death of his wife, Jyosnarani Baske Tudu.

According to reports, Ramchandra had reportedly left for a nearby forest on the morning of May 27 and had not returned. Villagers and family members had been searching for him since then.

On Saturday morning, locals found his body hanging from a tree inside the forest and informed the police. Preliminary investigation suggests that he might have died by suicide on the same day he went missing.

Based on a complaint lodged by family members, police registered an unnatural death case and launched an investigation into the incident.

Domestic dispute suspected behind tragic deaths

Police sources said that initial findings indicate a quarrel had broken out between the husband and wife on the morning of May 27. During the altercation, Ramchandra allegedly assaulted his wife. She later died under suspicious circumstances, following which he reportedly fled the scene.

Investigators suspect that after leaving the village, Ramchandra went into the forest and died by suicide by hanging himself with a rope.

Police stated that the exact cause of Jyosnarani's death will be known only after the post-mortem report is received. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the sequence of events and circumstances leading to the deaths.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the village, with residents expressing grief and disbelief over the tragic turn of events.