Kochi: A 19-year-old woman who had been missing since Saturday night was found dead in Malayattoor on Tuesday, with police now suspecting murder. The deceased has been identified as Chithrapriya (19), daughter of Shaiju and Shini of Thuruthiparambil, Mundangamattam. The police confirmed the identity after preliminary forensic verification, though the body was decomposed.

The body was found in a vacant plot near Sebiyoor Road at Manappattuchira by local residents who had been helping in the search. “They noticed a foul smell from the area and alerted us. The body appears to be at least two days old,” a senior officer said.

The police also said injuries were found on the head, leading investigators to strongly suspect homicide. “We suspect it to be a case of murder. She was hit with something on her head, inflicting severe injuries. But more details, including the cause of death, can be confirmed only after the post-mortem,” the officer added.

Two people who had been in contact with the woman shortly before she went missing are now in custody for interrogation. "Their statements are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation," the officer said. 

Chithrapriya, an aviation degree student in Bengaluru, had left home on Saturday, saying she was going to a nearby shop, but did not return. Her parents filed a missing-person complaint with Kalady Police later, prompting a missing case and search operations.

Inquest procedures have been completed, and the body has been shifted to the Ernakulam Government Medical College mortuary. The post-mortem examination will be conducted on Wednesday.

Police are also analysing the woman’s mobile phone and other digital traces to piece together her movements before her death. Further details are expected once the post-mortem and interrogation of the two men in custody progress.