Rourkela: Sundargarh district police have launched a murder investigation after the body of a coconut trader was found in a paddy field near Karla Ghat on Saturday. Sundarmani Mahapatra (45) lived at Rajpur under Sadar police station limits with his wife and son. His wife runs a puja materials shop near a temple, while he was engaged in the coconut trade.Police said, Mahapatra left home around 8 pm on Friday, informing his wife that he was going to Karla Ghat for some work. He did not return, prompting concern. On Saturday morning, locals spotted bloodstains near Karla Ghat and alerted police. Officers found Mahapatra’s body in a paddy field. His family reached the spot and identified the body.A scientific team examined the crime scene and collected evidence. Preliminary findings indicated that Mahapatra had suffered multiple injuries inflicted with a sharp weapon. Police said his eye, neck and right hand bore grievous wounds. The body was sent for autopsy and handed over to family.Police have registered a murder case and are investigating the motive. No arrests have been made so far, and investigators are yet to establish the circumstances leading to the crime. “We are awaiting the postmortem report. A murder case has been registered and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend those involved,” said Saudamini Nag, IIC of Sadar police station.