Baripada: The disrobed body of a widow was found under mysterious circumstances by some locals today. The woman was apparently bludgeoned to death by some miscreants in Budharana forest near Jatapani village under Jamda police limits in Mayurbhanj district.

The deceased woman was identified as 45-year-old Topai Mahanta, the widow of Ganeswar Mahanta who belonged to Rumapahadi village in the district.

According to a source, some youths spotted the disrobed body in the morning and informed the police about it. A probe team reached the spot and initiated a detailed probe into the incident.

Police have seized a blouse, saree, chappal, and bangles including unknown men’s chappals from the spot. Primary evidence suggests that the woman was raped prior to being murdered, a cop said.