Police find few clues in fiery death

Police in Kandal province’s Takhmao district are following leads after finding a man burned beyond recognition in a field.

After inspecting the body yesterday, investigators in the district’s Kampong Samnanh commune said the unidentified corpse may have been in the plot of land for two days.

Authorities suspect foul play, Takhmao district police chief Sem Buthbandeth told reporters yesterday.

“According to our examination, we can conclude that the victim did not burn himself, but was rather burned to death by another person.”

The body was found yesterday morning at about 7:30, the police chief said, but physical evidence shows that the man had died from burns over the weekend.

Police investigating the crime found 10 beer cans, a pack of 555 brand cigarettes, a pack of Fine brand cigarettes and a cigarette lighter, the police chief said.

Being unable to identify him, police have not been able to notify the family, he added.

After evidence was collected from the victim’s body, authorities, unable to find living relatives, sent the body to Kro Boa Pagoda, also located in Takhmao district’s Kampong Samnanh commune.