Mathurapuri Forest Yields Body of Missing Laborer

A missing person case from Kankin has taken a grim turn with the discovery of a body in the Mathurapuri forest area, under the purview of the Patamda police. The deceased, identified as 35-year-old Kanhai Mahto from Bangurda village, had been absent for five days. His body was located on Monday evening, and confirmation of his identity reached his grieving family soon after. Kanhai Mahto, who struggled with mental health issues, earned his living as a laborer at a grain shop in Kankin Bazaar. He reportedly left his residence for morning prayers last Wednesday and failed to return. Extensive efforts were made by his family and relatives to locate him in the surrounding villages and regions, but all searches proved fruitless. Kanhai was the sole breadwinner for his wife and two daughters, his parents having passed away earlier. The eldest of his three daughters is married. Neighbors recall him being calm before his disappearance, though his mental health condition could occasionally cause him to act out of character. According to eyewitness accounts from shepherds near the Macha CHC hospital, Kanhai was observed walking towards the forest on Wednesday morning. He did not respond when they called out to him and moved swiftly into the trees. Preliminary police findings suggest that Kanhai committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree. The police were led to the site by the shepherds’ report, recovered the body from the Mathurapuri forest on Monday, and transferred it to MGM Medical College for post-mortem examination and storage. The family confirmed his identity on Tuesday. The authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, leaning towards suicide.