A missing man in Jharkhand’s Khunti district returned home days after his family mistakenly identified and buried another person’s body, leading authorities to launch a fresh investigation into the identity of the deceased. Police officials said the unusual incident unfolded after 45-year-old Vishram Munda went missing on May 10 after leaving his village to attend a wedding function. His disappearance had triggered an extensive search by family members and local residents.
According to police, an unidentified body was recovered from a drain a day after Munda went missing. Family members were informed about the discovery and later arrived at Khunti Sadar Hospital to identify the deceased. Officials said the body bore a strong resemblance to Munda in terms of height, build, and facial appearance, leading relatives and villagers to conclude that it was the missing man. Following legal formalities, police handed over the body to the family for the last rites.
The family subsequently conducted funeral rituals in accordance with local tribal customs and buried the body. However, days later, Munda unexpectedly appeared at his daughter’s rented residence in Khunti town, shocking relatives who believed he had died. Police officials said Munda informed his family that he had traveled to Ramgarh, located around 70 kilometers away, without informing anyone about his whereabouts.
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Speaking on the matter, Khunti Sub-Divisional Police Officer Varun Rajak said the mistaken identity was largely due to the close physical resemblance between the unidentified deceased and Munda. Authorities said the incident highlighted the difficulties sometimes faced in identifying bodies when proper documentation or distinguishing evidence is unavailable at the initial stage of investigation. The police are now attempting to determine the true identity of the deceased individual.
Officials confirmed that procedures have begun to exhume the buried body so that DNA testing can be conducted. The forensic examination is expected to help establish the identity of the deceased and assist investigators in tracing the individual’s family. Police are also reviewing the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the body and whether any missing persons complaints from nearby districts may be connected to the case.
The incident has drawn attention locally due to the rare and emotional nature of the mix-up, while also underlining the importance of scientific identification methods in missing persons cases. Authorities said further investigation will continue until the unidentified body is properly identified and all legal procedures are completed. Meanwhile, Munda’s unexpected return has brought relief to his family even as questions remain about the deceased person whose identity is still unknown.
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