Bhubaneswar, Feb. 14: A couple were found dead near a temple in Sorana under the jurisdiction of Tangi police station in Khurda district today.

Mahesh Kumar Prusty, 35, was found hanging from a tree, while Bebina Mallick's, 25, was found at his feet.

Police suspect the duo committed suicide after their families opposed their marriage.

The cops said that prima-facie it looked like a case of suicide. A note was found with Mahesh, they said. However, the cops are yet to ascertain the circumstances under which the girl's body was found lying on the ground.

"Residents spotted the bodies this evening. We have sent them for post-mortem to ascertain the exact cause of the death," said Khurda superintendent of police Dillip Dash.

The duo hailed from Paikarapur on the city outskirts. The police said that they had informed the families.

However, a few residents alleged that there was bloodstain on the man's clothes. They also claimed a knife was found near the spot. "We are investigating whether the youth committed suicide after killing the girl," said a policeman.

In another development, threats from right-wing groups failed to dampen the spirit of the couples on Valentine's Day. Celebrations remained peaceful except at Jayadev Vatika where some activists forced a few couples to garland each other. Couples, young and old, thronged parks and other hangout places in the evening to celebrate the day.

"We deployed adequate police to prevent hooliganism by the right-wing groups," said deputy commissioner of police Satyabrata Bhoi.