Overview
- Villagers reported on Sunday that five recently buried bodies were missing from the Swargadwar cremation ground in Maninathpur, Bhadrak, after the disappearance was noticed Thursday night.
- The missing were identified as Khageswar Samal, Hatabandhu Beuria, Kartik Nayak, Saraswati Behera, and Kalandi Behera, all of whom died within the past two months.
- Bhadrak Superintendent of Police Manoj Rout directed the Bhandaripokhari police station to conduct an inquiry and submit a report, with IIC Rajlakshmi Nayak acknowledging receipt of the complaint.
- The village has seen similar incidents since 2016, including cases in 2017 and June 2023, and an April 2025 episode in which bottles were found at a disturbed grave and decomposed remains were discovered nearby.
- Residents allege earlier complaints were not prioritized and voice fears about possible occult or other illicit motives, while police have not announced any recoveries, arrests, or confirmed explanations.