Teliamura, Oct 6: Panic and shock spread through the Teliamura area on Saturday night after police recovered the decomposed body of a woman stuffed inside a plastic sack from a locked house in Nayabari under the Maiganga Gram Panchayat.
The deceased was identified as Sharmistha Modak (36), who had been living in the area for the past two years. Residents alerted police after detecting a foul smell coming from her residence. Upon arrival, officers broke open the door and found the body packed inside a large plastic sack.
According to neighbours, Sharmistha led a reclusive life and had minimal interaction with locals, leaving them unaware of her recent activities. “She rarely spoke to anyone and mostly stayed indoors,” said one resident.
Her father, Ratan Modak of Rajnagar, told reporters that Sharmistha was earlier married to a man from Dasda in Kanchanpur but got divorced. Later, she reportedly married one of her close relatives, after which her family lost contact with her.
Initial observations from the scene have led police to suspect a premeditated murder. Several empty liquor bottles were found inside and around the room, suggesting that the accused may have consumed alcohol before or after committing the crime.
Police have registered a case and launched an intensive investigation. “We are awaiting the post-mortem report to determine the exact cause and time of death,” said an investigating officer, adding that efforts are on to trace possible suspects.
The gruesome discovery, just days ahead of Lakshmi Puja festivities, has sent shockwaves through the Teliamura community. Locals have demanded a swift and transparent investigation to ensure that those responsible for the brutal killing are identified and brought to justice without delay.
