Skeletal remains believed to be of four people, including a child, have been recovered from a forest in West Bengal’s West Burdwan district, prompting police to investigate whether they belong to a family that has been missing for nearly two-and-a-half months.
The remains were discovered in a forest near Jathgaria More in the Kanksa police station area, close to Durgapur. Local residents alerted police after spotting the skeletons, following which senior officers reached the site and cordoned off the area. The remains have been recovered for forensic examination to determine the identities, approximate time of death and cause of death.
Ropes, child’s footwear found
Investigators also recovered four ropes hanging from a tree near the spot, along with a nylon bag and other belongings. Reports said a child’s footwear and a woman’s bag were among the items found at the site. Police are examining the objects as part of the investigation and have not yet concluded whether the deaths resulted from suicide, murder or another cause.
The discovery has triggered speculation about a possible connection with four members of a family from Paduma village under the Budbud police station area who have been missing for around two-and-a-half months.
The missing family comprises Sunil Hembram, his wife Mamoni Hembram, their three-year-old daughter Lakshmi Hembram and Mamoni’s mother, also named Lakshmi Hembram. Investigators are examining whether the skeletal remains could be theirs, though police have stressed that identification can only be confirmed after forensic examination.
Forensic examination crucial
Deputy Commissioner of Police Raspreet Singh said forensic findings would be crucial in establishing the identities and determining the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Police are also examining the missing-person case and other available evidence to determine whether the two incidents are connected.
The discovery of four sets of remains at the same location, together with the objects recovered nearby, has led investigators to examine several possibilities. Police are expected to use forensic and DNA analysis, where possible, to establish the identities before drawing conclusions about how the four people died.
The forest area is being searched for further evidence as investigators attempt to reconstruct what happened and determine how long the remains had been at the site.