Thrissur, 18 September (H.S.):The charred body of a 52-year-old pickup van driver who had been missing from Mundur since Thursday was found inside a forest near Wadakkanchery on Friday morning.

The deceased was identified as Babu of Thodiveedu at Manjakadu in Killimangalam. His relatives, who reached the scene after being informed by the police, identified the body.

Babu had been working as a pickup van driver under a contractor. He was last seen at the site of a construction project undertaken by the contractor in Mundur. When he failed to return home and could not be contacted, his relatives lodged a missing-person complaint with the Peramangalam police.

As part of the investigation, the police examined the location of Babu's mobile phone tower signals and traced the route he was believed to have taken. The inquiry led officers to a pickup van found abandoned near the Vattayi forest area.

Following the discovery of the vehicle, personnel from the Wadakkanchery and Peramangalam police stations launched an extensive search of the forest. Local residents, Babu's relatives and his co-workers also joined the operation.

After a prolonged search, the police found Babu's body in a completely charred condition inside the forest, not far from where the pickup van had been abandoned.

Forensic experts, fingerprint specialists and a dog squad were called to the location to inspect the scene and collect evidence. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding Babu's disappearance and death, including how the vehicle reached the forest area and whether anyone else was involved.

The police have not yet disclosed whether they suspect homicide or suicide. Officials said the exact cause and circumstances of the death could be established only after a detailed investigation and post-mortem examination.

After completion of the inquest proceedings, the body will be shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital for autopsy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman