Missing teen's head found hanging from tree in Varanasi forest
Times of India
by TNNFebruary 20, 2026
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A teenage boy’s head was discovered hanging from a tree in the forest near Varanasi, India, sparking concerns over the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. The grim discovery was made in Sonbhadra district, specifically in the Patgadi Tola area of Kota gram panchayat under Chopan police station. The teenager, identified as Mangal Prasad (16), went missing on January 19 and was later found with only his head remaining, while the rest of his body was missing. Villagers reported seeing the head hanging from a tendu tree approximately 3 kilometers from the Varanasi-Shaktinagar state highway.
Chopan SHO Akhilesh Kumar Mishra led the police team to the site after receiving information about the discovery. The forensic team collected the remains, including clothing and bones, and sent them for post-mortem examination at the district hospital. Prasad’s elder brother, Ravi, confirmed his identity based on the clothing found near the scene. The incident occurred around 20-25 days prior to the discovery, suggesting a prolonged period since the boy went missing.
The teenager had left home in anger on January 19, according to family members, and an extensive search effort failed to locate him. A missing report was filed at Chopan police station following his disappearance. This case highlights the alarming rise of violent crimes against youth in India and raises questions about the safety of young individuals in rural areas. Such incidents not only shock communities but also underscore the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable populations and ensure justice is served.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026