In a shocking discovery, the headless and naked body of a woman was found on a national highway in Kanpur’s Gujaini area, Uttar Pradesh, early on Wednesday. The gruesome discovery has raised suspicions of rape and murder, followed by the disposal of the body on the highway. Nearly 24 hours after the body was discovered, police are yet to make a significant breakthrough, although attempts to identify the woman are underway.
The body was first spotted at around 6:15 AM. Police teams immediately launched an investigation, scanning nearby CCTV footage for clues. Cameras at a hospital, located about 3 km from where the body was found, captured a woman walking alone hours before the body was discovered.
The woman, seen in the footage wearing grey trousers, matches the description of the victim, as pieces of grey clothing were found near the crime scene.
Police Probe and Forensic Investigation
Three Uttar Pradesh Police teams have been formed to investigate the case. While there were no CCTV cameras at the exact location where the body was found, investigators are examining footage from the area, hoping to trace the woman’s movements and identify any suspects.
A forensic team has also visited the scene, collecting samples of teeth and bones for further testing, and the body has been sent for a post-mortem to determine the exact cause of death.
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As of now, no missing person reports in the district have been linked to the woman’s body, adding to the challenges in identifying her. Investigators are showing frames from the CCTV footage to local residents in an effort to gather any information about her identity or possible whereabouts.
Police Exploring All Angles
A senior police officer has stated that all possibilities are being explored, including whether the death was caused by an accident or a crime. Authorities are also trying to determine if the victim was a local resident or if she came from a different area.
The incident has sparked political reactions, with Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party and MP, calling for a thorough and fair investigation. In a statement, Yadav expressed outrage over the crime, saying, “In another shocking case of crime against women, a woman’s headless, naked body was found on a highway in Kanpur. The matter should be investigated fairly, and such punishment should be meted out so that criminals get scared and such incidents are not repeated.”
He also urged the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government to “rise above politics” and take swift action to ensure justice.
As the investigation unfolds, the brutal nature of the crime has left the local community shaken, with many hoping for swift action and justice for the unidentified victim. Authorities continue to gather evidence and follow leads in an attempt to crack the case.