Patna: The bodies of a married man and a woman were found hanging from a tree in an orchard in Motihari of East Champaran district on Friday. Police have started an investigation into whether it was a case of suicide linked to an alleged affair or a double murder.The deceased were identified as Bhola Baitha (30), a resident of Pakariya village under Harsiddhi police station, and Safina Khatoon (25). Both were married. Their bodies were recovered from an orchard in the Sonbarsa Giri Tola Saren area under Harsiddhi police station area on Friday morning.Police said preliminary investigation suggested the two were allegedly involved in a relationship. However, they are also probing allegations from villagers that the duo may have been killed and their bodies later hung from the tree to make it appear as suicide.According to Safina’s family, she had been missing since around 3pm on Thursday after leaving her phone at home. Her husband, Mohd Sanaullah, said family members searched for her throughout the night. Bhola’s family said he had left home on Thursday afternoon after lunch and did not return. His father, Jogendra Baitha, said the family launched a search when he remained untraceable.Harsiddhi SHO Sunil Kumar said police rushed to the spot after receiving information about the bodies hanging from a tree. “During investigation, it came to light that the two were involved in a love affair. At present, the case appears to be one of suicide. However, there is also discussion in the village that they may have been murdered and their bodies were later hanged from the tree,” he said.The SHO said the families had been asked to submit written complaints. FSL and dog squad teams have been called in to assist the investigation. Police said the exact cause of death would be determined after forensic examination and postmortem reports.
