Bodies found missing from graves

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BALASORE: Even the bodies in graves are not safe. At least reports received from a village in Balasore district suggest so. Bodies from a cemetery in Parikhi village under Balasore Sadar police limits have been dug out and the graves left empty. Five bodies were found missing from coffins on Sunday.  Sources said while three bodies have been completely stolen, skulls of two bodies are taken away from the burial ground being used by the Muslim community. A few people rushed to the spot to ascertain whether the coffins belonged to their relatives. A couple of days ago, when the residents first spotted two places dug up in the graveyard, they did not pay any attention. They were, however, taken aback when they saw three others located along the approach road in a similar condition on Sunday.Receiving information, police rushed to the spot and took some photos of the graves. It was found that bamboo plates from the graves had been removed and skeletons taken away. What is even more intriguing is that all the stolen bodies were buried in the last one year. The villagers suspect the involvement of skeleton smuggling racket. Without ruling out that aspect, the police said that it could be a handiwork of some sorcerer. Parikhi Outpost in-charge Baidhar Nayak said investigation is on.A local Akaur Alli Khan said the graveyard is about 300 years old and Muslims of Dasipur, Budhhigadia, Gokulpur, Kantidihi and Kudipahi depend upon it for burial. The residents have demanded immediate installation of lighting facilities in the graveyard. Collector Akhila Bihari Ota said this is first time such a case is being reported in the district. “Police are investigation and we hope to apprehend the culprits soon,” he said.