A 20-year-old man from Madhya Pradesh's Satna district, who had been missing for nearly three months after visiting his in-laws' home in Rewa, was allegedly murdered and secretly buried, police said after recovering his decomposed body from a village on Thursday.

The victim, identified as Vipin Kumar Yadav, a resident of Mohar Tola (Bhagdevra) in Rampur Baghelan, had gone to his in-laws' house in Tikar village under Govindgarh police station limits on March 26. His family lost contact with him the following day, prompting his father to file a missing person complaint on March 28.

Missing Person Case Turns Into Murder Probe

Initially, investigators believed Vipin might have left on his own after a family dispute. However, despite questioning relatives and acquaintances, police failed to trace him.

The investigation took a crucial turn after technical surveillance placed Vipin's last mobile location in Tikar village. Police then scrutinised the call records of his wife, which allegedly revealed frequent and lengthy conversations with a local resident, Sunil Kushwaha.

Based on the findings, police detained Sunil for questioning.

Accused Confesses During Interrogation

According to police, the accused allegedly confessed to strangling Vipin on March 27 before disposing of the body in a well.

During interrogation, he reportedly told investigators that the body later floated to the surface, raising fears of discovery. He then removed the body from the well and buried it about 300 metres from his house near a drain so he could monitor the location and avoid suspicion.

Body Recovered After Three Months

Acting on the accused's disclosure, police carried out an excavation in Tikar village on Thursday evening in the presence of an Executive Magistrate.

The victim's body was recovered from several feet below the ground. Officials said the remains were in an advanced stage of decomposition after being buried for nearly three months.

The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, while forensic experts are expected to assist in determining the exact cause of death.

Police Probe Motive

Police have taken both the accused and the victim's wife into custody for questioning. Investigators are examining whether the murder was linked to an alleged extramarital relationship or any other motive.

Authorities are also verifying ownership of the land where the body was buried by examining revenue records.

Further Investigation Underway

Additional Superintendent of Police Sandeep Mishra said a murder case has been registered and the investigation is continuing.

He said further charges will be added based on the post-mortem report, forensic examination and other technical evidence collected during the investigation. Police are exploring all possible angles before filing the final chargesheet.