22-year-old woman Rita went missing in 2020

Her disappearance was marred by inconclusive DNA reports

Her mother waged a tireless battle for her daughter's dignified farewell

After a 22-year-old woman Rita went missing in 2020, her family in Jaswant Nagar, Etawah, Madhya Pradesh endured a 40-month ordeal grappling with procedural hurdles to lay her to rest.

The identification of a burnt, headless body found shortly after her disappearance was marred by technicalities and inconclusive DNA reports. Despite setbacks, Bhagwan Devi, the mother, waged a tireless battle for her daughter’s dignified farewell. Now, she seeks justice for her daughter’s death.

The saga began when a 22-year-old Rita vanished from Chak Salempur village in September 2020. A charred body, missing its head, discovered in a nearby field, prompted Bhagwan Devi to claim it as her daughter Rita’s, based on clothing and footwear. However, police procedural requirements demanded DNA verification.

The initial DNA analysis, initiated 17 months post-discovery, yielded inconclusive results due to poor sampling. Multiple efforts followed, including a second sample collection supervised by experts. Eventually, DNA tests from FSL Hyderabad confirmed the body matched family members’ DNA.

Upon court intervention in October 2023, progress surged. Murder charges were filed, and a special investigation team was formed to unravel Rita’s death. The family, supported by local officials, conducted dignified last rites outside the village. Now, with Rita’s identity confirmed, justice efforts intensify, aiming to uncover the truth behind her tragic demise.