Gwalior, Aug 31 (IANS) A 17-year-old girl was found dead in bushes along Cancer Pahadiya Road in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior on Monday, hours after she went missing, with police finding ligature marks on her neck, officials said.
The deceased, identified as Anaya, worked at a saree shop in Naya Bazar. Her family has expressed suspicion that a youth, identified as Ishan Khan, a resident of Mahalgaon, was involved in her death.
According to the family, Anaya spoke to her mother over the phone at around 9:05 p.m. on Monday and said she would return home shortly. Her mobile phone was switched off around 10 minutes later. When she failed to return home, her family began searching for her and approached Kampu police station, where a missing person/kidnapping complaint was lodged.
Police teams, along with family members, searched for the teenager throughout the night.
At around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, police received information about a body lying in the bushes near Cancer Pahadiya Road. The police team reached the spot, and the family identified the body as that of Anaya.
A forensic team examined the scene and collected evidence, while the body was sent for post-mortem examination.
The ligature marks on her neck have raised suspicion that she may have been strangled, although the exact cause of death will be established only after the post-mortem examination.
The family has told police that Anaya was in a relationship with Ishan Khan and has suspected his involvement in the incident.
Police have not confirmed the allegation and are examining all aspects of the case. Investigators are also examining the teenager's call details, mobile phone records and other evidence to establish her movements after she left work and the circumstances leading to her death.
Police said the investigation was underway and further action would be taken based on the evidence and post-mortem findings.
Kampu police station SHO Amar Singh Sikarwar said, "A search operation was launched immediately after the complaint was received. Her body was found near Cancer Pahadiya in the morning. Injury marks were found on her neck. We are examining call details and other evidence. The cause of death will become clear after the post-mortem report, based on which further action will be taken."
--IANS
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