Phulbani: Body of a 27-year-old woman was found hanging from a tree at a forest in G.Udayagiri block of Odisha's Kandhamal district, today.

The deceased has been identified as Manini Pradhan, a married woman, of Sriki village. She was staying at her mother's place for the last three years and studying in a local college.

According to reports, she left the house yesterday after having a conversation with a person over mobile phone. However, she didn't return till night, following which her mother searched for her at various places.

Locals this morning spotted Manini's body hanging from a tree at Nandapetagadu forest and informed the police.

Cops reached the spot with a scientific team, recovered the body and started investigation. The circumstances under with the body was found indicate that she was murdered, police sources said.