Kendrapara: In a shocking incident, the body of a college student who had been missing since Thursday night was recovered from an abandoned pond in Mahakalapada block of Odisha's Kendrapara district today. The corpse was found in a pond near her village, approximately 200 metres from her residence. 

The deceased has been identified as Sasmita Behera, daughter of Sushant Behera, a resident of Jadupur village which comes under Marsaghai police limits. 

As per reports, Sasmita was missing since around 10 pm on Thursday. She was a Plus III final-year student at Marsaghai College.  The victim reportedly had a deep cut injury on her neck, raising suspicion of foul play. During the preliminary examination, bloodstains were reportedly found at four different locations near the victim's house. A sharp-edged knife was also found at the scene. 

Murder suspected, probe begins

Following the recovery of the body, Marsaghai police rushed to the spot and launched an investigation with the assistance of a scientific team. Prima facie evidence indicates murder which may have stemmed from a one-sided love affair. However, exact circumstances and motive behind the alleged murder remain unclear.

Police are examining the bloodstains, the suspected weapon and other evidence to piece together the sequence of events. Further investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the student's death and identify those responsible.