Mandi (Himachal Pradesh):
In a shocking and heartbreaking incident, the body of a Class 10 schoolgirl who had been missing for the past six days was recovered from a dense forest in the Nihri area of Mandi district on Tuesday. The body was found in a highly decomposed and mutilated condition, with signs indicating that wild animals had badly mauled it.
The minor girl, daughter of Bhuwan Dev, went missing from her home on December 30 under mysterious circumstances. Her family searched for her on their own but, after failing to find any clue, lodged a missing complaint with the police on January 1.
To trace the girl, police launched an extensive search operation using modern technology. On Tuesday, drone cameras were deployed in the Badhehan forest area. During the operation, a suspicious object was spotted near a steep hillside, around 150 metres above the road. Upon reaching the spot, the search team discovered the body of the missing student.
According to officials, the body was in a severely damaged condition. The girl’s face and one of her hands had been badly mutilated, reportedly by wild animals. A forensic team was immediately called to the spot to collect scientific evidence.
The girl’s father identified the body at the site. Superintendent of Police, Mandi, Sakshi Verma, along with DSP Sundernagar Bharat Bhushan, personally inspected the location. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death.
While the family has not yet expressed suspicion against any individual, police officials have said the case is being investigated from all possible angles and not being treated as a mere accident.
“The police are examining every possible angle. The post-mortem report will be a crucial link in determining how the girl died,” said SP Sakshi Verma.
Following the incident, a pall of fear and tension has gripped the otherwise peaceful Nihri area. Locals and the victim’s family are now anxiously awaiting the medical report, which is expected to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
