Balasore, Dec. 8: Mayurbhanj police arrested two persons in connection with the murder of a 20-year-old girl. The murder is suspected to be the fallout of a love affair involving three persons.

The victim, Parbati Singh, had gone missing since November 22. Her decomposed body was later found in a forest near Nahara village within the limits of Khuntia police station. The accused duo — Kathia Nayak and Balia Barik — have confessed to have killed her. A dagger, which was the weapon of offence, has also been seized.

The cops said the two accused and Parbati were working at a flourmill at Raipada. Kathia had developed intimacy with her and later, Balia made some advancements.

“There was a confusion and dispute among the three. Amidst this entire disturbance, Parbati quit her job on the instructions of her elder brother and severed her relationship with both of them,” said a police official.

To take revenge, the duo hatched a plan to murder her, said a source in the police.

“On November 22, they lured her to the local market on some pretext. They attacked her with a dagger and then strangulated her to death with her apron. Thereafter, they dumped her body in the forest and fled,” said the police officer.

Police have booked Kathia and Balia under sections 302 and 201 of the Indian Penal Code.

Udala sub-divisional police officer Kailash Nayak said: “The murder was committed to end the triangular love affair. The accused persons have confessed to their involvement in the crime. They would be forwarded to court.”