Inter‑state probe after body of pregnant Odisha woman found in Vizianagaram
Police in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are conducting a joint investigation after the body of a 22‑year‑old pregnant woman from Koraput district, Odisha, was recovered in the Gajapathinagaram area of Vizianagaram district. The deceased has been identified as Albina Garada, a resident of Tunkhal village, who had been missing since 29 July, according to reports.
Two persons have been arrested in connection with the case. They have been named as 35‑year‑old Mohan Khilla, described by media reports as the woman's alleged lover, and 19‑year‑old Milan Kuldeep. Authorities said both were detained after clues during the missing‑person probe suggested possible foul play.
How the case unfolded
Police records show that Mohan lodged a missing‑person complaint at the Semiliguda police station on 1 August, after Albina did not return following the discovery of her pregnancy through an Anganwadi health report. Investigators scrutinised statements and recovered leads that linked the two accused to Albina's disappearance, according to India Today and News18 reports.
| Key date | Event |
|---|---|
| 29 July | Albina reportedly went missing |
| 1 August | Missing‑person complaint lodged at Semiliguda police station |
| Mid‑August (recovery) | Partially decomposed remains recovered in Gajapathinagaram, Vizianagaram |
Acting on information obtained during interrogation, Semiliguda police, assisted by Andhra Pradesh police units, located a burial site in Gajapathinagaram and exhumed partially decomposed remains. The victim's father reportedly identified her from clothing found with the body; the remains have been sent for post‑mortem examination and DNA samples taken to support the investigation.
Evidence seized, charges under probe
Police said they seized a car allegedly used to transport the body and recovered tools suspected to have been used to dig the burial site. Further details of the charges being finalised were not released by police in the reports. Investigators are also preserving biological samples for forensic analysis to establish cause of death and to corroborate identification.
News18 reported that Albina had been in a relationship with Mohan for nearly a year and that her family became aware of the relationship only after the Anganwadi health centre noted she was about three months pregnant. Media coverage further stated that Mohan was already married twice.
- Victim: Albina Garada, 22, resident of Tunkhal village, Koraput district, Odisha
- Accused: Mohan Khilla (35) and Milan Kuldeep (19) — arrested
- Location of recovery: Gajapathinagaram area, Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh
Police procedure and next steps
Officials have taken standard investigative steps including custody and questioning, site excavation, seizure of a vehicle and implements, post‑mortem and DNA sampling. The involvement of police from both states reflects the cross‑jurisdictional nature of the alleged crime, with the Semiliguda police station in Odisha initiating the missing‑person proceedings and Andhra Pradesh teams aiding recovery and evidence collection at the burial site.
The post‑mortem report and laboratory analysis of DNA and other forensic samples are expected to play a central role in determining the cause of death and securing legal charges. No formal charge‑sheet has been reported publicly as of the latest coverage.
Local residents and family members who identified the clothing said they hoped for a thorough inquiry. The progress of the investigation, including any additional arrests or charges, will be determined by forensic findings and further interrogation of the accused, according to the reports.
Authorities have not released tactical details of the probe, citing the need to preserve evidence and investigative integrity. The role of any other persons, motive and the exact sequence of events leading to the death remain subject to confirmation through official police statements and forensic outcomes.
