Kolkata, Nov 25 (NationPress) The lifeless body of an 8-year-old girl was discovered in a paddy field located in the Bharatpur region of Murshidabad district, three days following her disappearance, as confirmed by police on Tuesday.

This tragic incident has sparked significant concern among local residents. Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

As per police reports, the young girl had been missing since last Saturday evening. Her family suspected she was kidnapped and promptly filed a missing report with the police.

On Tuesday morning, her body was located in the paddy field, after which villagers transported her to a nearby hospital, where medical professionals pronounced her dead.

Subsequently, law enforcement was alerted, and a team of officers arrived to probe the scene.

Initial observations revealed a ligature mark around her neck, and her body had been obscured by straw. Police suspect that the minor may have been murdered at a different location and her remains concealed in the field.

Notably, officers from the Bharatpur police station had conducted extensive searches over two days following her disappearance but were unable to locate the girl. On Sunday, search efforts included the deployment of sniffer dogs throughout the village. The police are actively investigating the circumstances leading to the girl's tragic demise. A formal complaint has also been lodged by the family after the discovery of her body.

The family of the deceased expressed their belief that the girl was the victim of a deliberate act. “She was kidnapped and murdered. We seek severe punishment for the perpetrators. We have no known enemies in the area, and we are devastated by this incident,” stated a relative.

A senior officer from the Murshidabad district police indicated that they are exploring whether the girl may have been abducted by someone close to her family. “We are looking into every possible lead. A case has been officially registered,” he added.