Mystery of missing bodies in DI Khan

Three bodies have been exhumed from graves in Korai area

DI KHAN:

Widespread panic has hit the area after three dead bodies were found missing from their graves in a short span of time in Dera Ismail Khan district’s Korai area.

The locals called for a meeting of all the area residents in regards to the aforementioned incident in Muhammad Sadiq graveyard.

It is pertinent to note that the graveyard spans over an area of 68 kanals and does not have a boundary wall as well.

Sources familiar with the matter said it is difficult to determine whether the graves have been done by wild animals or human beings.

“It is very difficult to jump to a conclusion as we are completely confused. It could be the work of a man or some animals but it is true that someone or something is digging our graves and taking out the dead bodies,” said a local while talking to The Express Tribune, adding that so far three graves had been dug and the shrouds were left nearby while the bones were found scattered around the place but there was no sign of flesh.

“After holding a jirga, we alerted the police about the situation and have decided to arrange guards for the graveyard too,” the local further said.

He added that there were widespread rumors about the presence of ‘cannibals’ in the area who steal bodies to feed their appetite.

The unfortunate incident has caused panic in the area apart from enraging citizens.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, the local station house officer said that they had received a complaint about the incident but he believed that it was the work of some animal as the area was located 13 km from the main city and was a hinterland where many stray dogs and wild animals like jackals are present.

“But still we are investigating the matter and there is no need to panic,” he argued, adding that the bodies taken out of the graves were not of adults but children and bones were left behind which shows that it was done by animals rather than humans.

Local residents claimed that they were trying to collect money and build a boundary wall around the graveyard.

“We do not buy the theory. In the past, the area was full of large wild animals but it never ever happened because bodies are buried deep inside the ground. Police must investigate the matter thoroughly before blaming wild animals,” said another local.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 12^th, 2021.