Uttara Kannada, 21 Feb

In a shocking, fearful, and stunning incident, the headless nude body of an unidentified woman was discovered in a forested area near Kolagi village in Mundgod taluk in Uttara Kannada district on Friday evening, sending shockwaves across the region.

Uttara Kannada superintendent of police Deepan NL said the victim is believed to be between 33 and 35 years old. Police suspect that the murderers may have beheaded the woman to conceal her identity and later disposed of the body in the forest.

The gruesome discovery was made by a local woman who had gone into the forest to collect firewood. Upon noticing the body, she rushed back to the village and informed others.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the murder may have taken place elsewhere, with the body dumped at the forest site. The crime is believed to have occurred at least two days prior. The body had reportedly been covered with tree branches and leaves, possibly in an attempt to hide it, SP Deepan added.

Police from Mundgod rushed to the scene upon receiving information and began an investigation. A search operation is underway in the surrounding forest area to locate the missing head.