Decomposed body of missing man found hanged in Cuttack after 19 days

Indian Opinion Analysis

The decomposed state of the body, hanging 19 days after the man vanished, forces investigators to rely on forensic evidence that often degrades quickly, determining a clear cause of death or whether a ligature mark is consistent with hanging or a post-mortem suspension becomes harder. Under the CrPC, an unnatural death case under Section 174 empowers the executive magistrate to hold an inquiry, but a formal inquest by a magistrate is required only if foul play is suspected. The Barang police have not ruled out either suicide or murder, meaning the next step likely waits on the post-mortem report, which in Odisha is usually conducted at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. That report will determine whether the case shifts to a murder investigation under the Indian Penal Code or is closed as suicide.