Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Nov 30: The mortal remains of a woman who went to a nearby hill to collect grass for cattle were discovered under suspicious circumstances on Friday near Manipal.

The deceased, identified as Pushpa Naik (66), a resident of Nehru Nagar in Saralebettu ward, had gone to the hill around 6 pm on November 28 and did not return home. Despite extensive searches by her family, her body was found on the morning of November 29, approximately 200 meters from her residence.

Initial reports noted minor injuries on the body, including one on her hand, while her neck was covered with ants.

Speculation arose that a leopard or another wild animal might have attacked her, as the area is prone to leopard sightings. However, forest department officials dismissed these claims.

Manipal police arrived at the scene and are conducting an investigation. The mortal remains have been sent for post-mortem examination.

Ganesh Naik, the son of the deceased, stated, “My mother was healthy but had slight dementia. Apart from that, she had no medical issues. The doctor who examined her body noted no claw marks on her neck, where a minor injury was observed. We are unsure of the cause of her death, but there is a possibility that she might have fallen and sustained injuries.”