Tragic Discovery: Missing Jharkhand Girl Found Dead Near Usri River

In a tragic incident in Giridih, Jharkhand, the body of an 11th-grade student, Payal Kumari, was discovered after she had been missing for two days. Her family reported her disappearance after she failed to return home from tuition classes. The police have launched an investigation, examining her mobile records and interviewing acquaintances. As the community mourns her loss, calls for a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her death have intensified. The situation has raised concerns about safety and accountability in the area.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2026, 12:03 IST

Body of Missing Student Found

Representational Image

Giridih (Jharkhand), May 20: Authorities reported the recovery of the body of an 11th-grade girl who had been unaccounted for over the past two days. The body was discovered along the banks of the Usri river in Giridih district on Wednesday.

This tragic event has caused significant alarm within the local community.

The victim has been identified as Payal Kumari, who lived in Sirsia, falling under the Muffasil police jurisdiction. The police have taken possession of the body for a postmortem examination and have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Family members revealed that Payal had left home on Monday morning, stating she was heading to her tuition classes and stitching training. She also taught children in the area. Typically, she would return by the afternoon, but when she failed to do so, her family grew concerned.

According to her relatives, Payal had contacted them in the afternoon, mentioning she was departing from the block office area and would be home shortly. However, her phone was turned off soon after, and multiple attempts to reach her were unsuccessful. This prompted her family to search for her before eventually notifying the police later that day.

Law enforcement began by reviewing her mobile call records and interviewing friends and acquaintances.

On Wednesday morning, authorities received reports of a young woman's body found near the Usri river, close to the old Barganda bridge. Upon arrival, police confirmed the identity of the deceased as Payal Kumari.

The news of her death drew a large crowd to the scene, with family members expressing their grief. Payal's cousin, Pintu Kumar Das, has called for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.

Sadar SDPO Jeetbahan Oraon and police officer Vivek Madhuri visited the site to assess the situation. The SDPO confirmed that a missing person's report had been filed and that all potential leads are being explored in the ongoing investigation.