A seven-day search for a missing businessman ended in tragedy after his body was recovered from a shallow grave near a riverbank in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district. Police suspect the 48-year-old businessman was murdered before his body was buried in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence. Four suspects have been detained for questioning as the investigation gathers pace.

The deceased has been identified as Vijay Jain, a resident of Gairatganj, who had been missing since July 7. His body was discovered on Monday evening near Parasia village after local villagers noticed a group of stray dogs gathered at one spot along the riverbank.

Dogs Lead Villagers to Burial Site

According to police, villagers had gone to the area to graze goats when they observed dogs repeatedly digging and barking at a patch of soil. On closer inspection, they noticed a human leg protruding from the ground, prompting them to alert the police.

A police team reached the spot and excavated the site, recovering the buried body. Initial observations indicate that the victim's throat may have been slit before the body was buried to conceal the crime. Authorities have said the exact cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem examination.

Artificial Eye Helped Confirm Identity

Police said the body was identified through the victim's clothing and his artificial eye, which matched the description provided by family members. Officials noted that Vijay Jain had been wearing the same clothes on the day he went missing.

The body was found in a decomposed state, with the face badly damaged and one leg partially mutilated, reportedly due to animal activity.

Businessman Missing Since July 7

Family members had reported Vijay Jain missing after he failed to return home on July 7. His mobile phone had remained switched off, and relatives later found his house locked. After unsuccessful attempts to locate him, a missing person complaint was filed with the local police.

The discovery of the body has now transformed the missing person investigation into a suspected murder case.

Four Persons Detained

Following the recovery of the body, Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Gupta and Additional Superintendent of Police Deepak Nayak visited the crime scene to supervise the investigation.

A forensic team and dog squad collected evidence from the burial site, while police detained four individuals for questioning. Officials have not disclosed the identities of those detained or the possible motive behind the suspected murder.

Investigators are examining all angles, including the victim's personal and business-related connections, while awaiting forensic findings and the post-mortem report to establish the sequence of events.

Police said further legal action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.