Dhenkanal: An Odisha Armed Police Force (OAPF) constable was found hanging at a rented house in the Bil Sahi area under Dhenkanal Town police limits on Monday.

The deceased has been identified as Shankar Pradhan, a native of Lachhamagising village under Ramagiri police station in Gajapati district.

According to reports, Pradhan had been posted in Dhenkanal since 2016 and was earlier staying in government quarters. However, he had reportedly been under suspension for around one-and-a-half years and was subsequently living with his family in a rented house.

His family members suspect that he may have been under mental stress following his prolonged suspension from service, which could have led him to take the extreme step. However, the exact reason behind his death remains unclear.

On being informed, Dhenkanal Town police reached the spot, recovered the body and sent it for post-mortem examination. Police have started an investigation into the incident.