Patna: A 17-year-old boy, who went missing after leaving home on Sunday evening, was found hanging from a tree in a forest under Nanpur police station area in Sitamarhi district on Monday. While family members and locals suspect foul play, police said the cause of death would be established only after the post-mortem and forensic investigation.The deceased, identified as Babbu Kumar, son of Rajendra Sah of Birar village, had left home around 4pm on Sunday and did not return. His family searched for him throughout the night, but his mobile phone remained switched off.The body was discovered by locals on Monday morning, following which police and family members reached the spot and identified the teenager. Police also recovered his mobile phone and slippers some distance from the tree, raising suspicions among residents and relatives.Nanpur SHO Rakesh Kumar said the body had been sent to Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination. “We are investigating the case from all angles. Only the post-mortem report and scientific evidence can determine whether it is a case of suicide or murder,” he said.The SHO added that family members initially alleged murder but later informed police that Babbu had been under depression due to family-related issues and submitted a written application stating they did not wish to name anyone or lodge a case. Further investigation is underway.
