Bhubaneswar, April 24: A young man allegedly died by suicide in Baliratnapur village under Motanga police limits in Dhenkanal early Friday morning, shortly after returning with a 13-year-old girl who had been missing for several days.

According to reports, Manoj Sahu of Samakoi village under Angul Sadar police limits had lodged a complaint on April 8, stating that his daughter had been missing since April 1. Acting on the complaint, Angul police registered a case and launched an investigation.

During the probe, it emerged that the minor had allegedly left with the accused youth, identified as Benupani. Police subsequently questioned his family members and associates as part of the inquiry. His mother had also appeared before police for questioning earlier this week.

On April 24, Benupani returned to his native village along with the minor girl. However, shortly after reaching home, he allegedly died by suicide by hanging himself inside his room.

Locals suspect that fear of arrest and social stigma may have driven the youth to take the extreme step. Police have recovered the body and initiated a detailed investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, while appealing to the public to remain calm.

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