Berhampur, March 2: The body of a 35-year-old woman was found in a paddy field at Kanchuru in Hinjili police station area yesterday afternoon. Police suspect that unidentified persons had raped and murdered the victim after kidnapping her.

"My wife was kidnapped on Monday night when she had gone to Ralaba village along with our four-year-old son and my mother to attend a cultural event," said Babula Pradhan.

Babula, who runs a pan shop, is also involved in liquor business at Brahmanchai village. Local residents said that he recently had a business-related dispute with some people in the area.

On Monday, some villagers of Brahmanchai came to Ralaba and reportedly told the victim that the police had detained her husband in the police station. Babula's wife left for Hinjili police station immediately after hearing the news. However, she went missing midway.

Her husband lodged a missing diary in Hinjili police station on Monday night. Her body was found at Kanchuru the next day.

"We recovered the body yesterday afternoon. It was identified by her husband. Preliminary investigation suggests that she might have been raped and murdered. However, we are waiting for the post-mortem report," said inspector in-charge of Hinjili police station Prasant Kumar Sahu.

Babula said that the criminals had also looted the gold necklace and nose ring that his wife was wearing.

In another incident, Bhima Gouda, 35, of Pudamari allegedly killed fellow villager Sabita Tripathy, 30, by pouring kerosene on her and burning her alive on Sunday. Sabita and Bhima were allegedly in a relationship.

However, Bhima got married to another girl about one and a half years ago. Police have arrested Bhima.