Malkangiri, Odisha &ndash; A shocking and tragic incident has rocked the village of MV 41 in Malkangiri district, where the lifeless bodies of two 12-year-old schoolgirls were discovered hanging from a mango tree in a dense forest area on Saturday morning. The girls, identified as Mandira Sodi and Jyoti Haldar, were students of MV 72 Primary Nodal School and had been missing for two days before their bodies were found.
Disturbing Discovery in the Forest
The gruesome sight was first noticed by a group of local women who had ventured into the forest near Biliguda village hill, approximately three kilometers from the school, to collect firewood. As they entered the wooded area, their eyes fell upon the bodies of the two young girls, their school uniforms still intact, hanging from a sturdy branch of a mango tree. Shocked and horrified, the villagers immediately alerted the families of the victims and the local authorities.
The Girls&rsquo; Mysterious Disappearance
According to reports, Mandira, daughter of Waga Sodi, and Jyoti, daughter of Timir Haldar, had left home for school on Thursday morning but never returned. Their absence led their worried families to lodge a missing persons complaint at the MV 79 police station, prompting an initial search operation. However, there had been no trace of the girls until their bodies were found hanging in the isolated forest area two days later.
Police Investigation Underway
Following the tragic discovery, officers from MV 79 police station, along with Malkangiri SDPO Sachin Patel, rushed to the scene and initiated a detailed investigation. The area was cordoned off as forensic experts from Koraput were summoned to conduct a scientific examination of the site. Authorities have registered a case and are meticulously collecting evidence, including statements from locals and family members, to determine whether the incident was a suicide or a sinister act of murder.
Suspicion of Foul Play
While police are yet to confirm the cause of death, the families of the victims have raised serious allegations of foul play. They believe that their daughters did not take their own lives but were instead victims of a heinous crime. Their demand for justice has intensified calls for a thorough probe to uncover the truth behind the mysterious deaths.
Autopsy and Further Investigation
The bodies of the girls are set to be sent to Kalimela Community Health Center for a post-mortem examination once forensic experts complete their analysis at the crime scene. The autopsy report is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding their tragic demise.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among the local population, highlighting the urgent need to ensure the safety and security of young girls in the region. Authorities have assured the community that no stone will be left unturned in the pursuit of justice for Mandira Sodi and Jyoti Haldar.

crime scene, girl students school bags found lying under the tree in Malkangiri forest

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February 9, 2025 | 05:59 IST