The body of a woman was discovered near the Kathajodi riverbed in Cuttack on December 13, but authorities were initially unable to identify her, as no missing person report had been filed. However, a key clue came from a paper receipt stitched into the clothing, which led investigators on a trail across Odisha and eventually to Surat, Gujarat.
The receipt, from a tailoring shop named “New Star Tailors”, initially baffled police. A search of similar shops in Odisha didn’t yield any matching designs. However, the trail led to Ganjam district, where a tailor revealed that such tags were used in Gujarat. The Gujarat Police then traced the receipt to a tailor in Surat.
Upon further investigation, the tailor confirmed that the shirt was made for someone named Babu. The tailor also mentioned that he had transferred Rs 100 to a mobile e-wallet for Babu due to a lack of change. This e-wallet transaction led police to Jaganath Duhuri, Babu’s brother-in-law, and the victim’s relative.
It was discovered that Jaganath Duhuri had been traveling back to Surat by train, and he was intercepted by police while passing through Rayagada. Upon interrogation, Jaganath confessed to his involvement in the crime, along with his brother, Balaram Duhuri (the victim’s husband), and his cousin Hapi Duhuri.
The motive for the murder was revealed to be a marital dispute. Balaram Duhuri, suspecting that his wife was having an extramarital affair, became consumed by jealousy and anger, leading to the tragic outcome.
Following their confessions, all three suspects were arrested, and the investigation continues as police piece together more details of the case.
