A shocking discovery near the DCW overbridge in Punjab’s Patiala triggered panic on Wednesday after the body of a young woman was recovered from inside a blue plastic drum, police officials said.

According to Station House Officer Gurpreet Singh, local police received information early Wednesday morning about a suspicious blue drum lying near the DCW flyover area. Upon reaching the spot, officers discovered the body of a woman concealed inside the container.

“We received a report this morning that the body of a woman was found inside a blue drum near the DCW flyover. We immediately reached the scene to investigate,” SHO Gurpreet Singh said.

Police immediately cordoned off the area and called forensic experts to conduct an on-the-spot examination of the crime scene. Investigators later shifted the body to a mortuary for further examination and identification procedures.

During the preliminary inspection, police found two tattoos on the woman’s arms, which became a crucial clue in identifying the victim.

“During the initial examination of the body, two tattoos were discovered on her arms. Following this, her identity was established,” the SHO stated.

The deceased has been identified as Neha, aged around 20 years, daughter of Sant Lal. Police said the family originally belongs to Jaunpur district in Uttar Pradesh but has been residing in the Punjabi Bagh area of Patiala.

Officials revealed that the woman had been missing for the past few days and her family had already filed a missing person complaint before the body was recovered.

“Their daughter had been missing for a few days. They had previously filed a missing person report,” Gurpreet Singh said.

Police are now coordinating with the victim’s family members to complete legal formalities and continue the investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Authorities have not yet officially confirmed whether the case is being treated as murder, but investigators suspect foul play due to the manner in which the body was concealed inside the drum and abandoned near the overbridge.

The recovery has sparked fear and concern among local residents, with many questioning how the drum remained unnoticed in a public area before the body was discovered.

Forensic teams are examining evidence collected from the site, while investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby routes and surrounding areas to identify possible suspects and reconstruct the movement of the drum before it was abandoned.

The case has drawn comparisons online to several recent incidents across the country where bodies were allegedly disposed of in drums or suitcases in attempts to conceal evidence, highlighting growing public concern over violent crimes against women.

Police officials said the exact cause of death would be determined after the post-mortem examination. Further investigation is underway.

Gurpreet Singh | Business Upturn

Rising brutality against women? Missing woman found dead inside blue drum in Patiala