Jagatsinghpur: A 24-year-old woman was allegedly murdered near Pakanpur on the outskirts of Odisha's Jagatsinghpur on Tuesday, barely a day after her engagement. Suspecting her boyfriend's involvement in the murder, police have launched a manhunt to trace him.

The deceased has been identified as Sasmita Das, daughter of Promod Kumar Das from Kathiapada village. According to preliminary findings, she was killed using a sharp weapon, with deep injuries found on her neck. Her body was recovered in a semi-naked condition, raising suspicions of sexual assault before the murder.

Family members told police that Sasmita’s engagement ceremony was held on Sunday, April 19, at a temple in Dhuanpari village, located at her maternal uncle’s place. She was engaged to a youth from Bhadrak and had been staying at her uncle’s house since then.

On Monday morning, her boyfriend reportedly brought her back home. Before leaving, he told her that he was going to Jamshedpur, where he works at a company. The accused, who hails from the Tarikund area, was known to have a close relationship with the girl, which was also known to her family.

On Tuesday evening around 8 pm, Sasmita left home, telling her family she was going to her relative’s house nearby. However, she did not return that night. Although her family searched for her, they did not inform the police at that time.

Later, her body was found by villagers returning from nearby farmlands.

Upon receiving information, Jagatsinghpur police reached the spot along with a scientific team and sniffer dogs to begin the investigation.

A case has been registered based on a complaint filed by the girl’s father. Police have formed multiple teams to trace the accused, with one team sent to Jamshedpur and another continuing the investigation locally.