Bhubaneswar: The almost charred body of an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) was found along NH-26 near Banamalipur in Kalahandi district’s Junagarh on Sunday. The deceased was identified as Pabitra Golapi (40), who was an ASI in reserve police in Bhawanipatna. Police suspect foul play and have begun an investigation.Kalahandi SP Nagaraj Deverakonda said the motorcycle on which Pabitra was travelling from Bhawanipatna to Junagarh was almost burnt. “The ASI’s charred body with the motorcycle was spotted by locals and they informed police. The body was sent for post-mortem after which the cause of death will be ascertained,” he told TOI.The SP said prima facie it seems the motorcycle was hit by some vehicle or it crashed into one, resulting in the two-wheeler’s fuel tank to explode and resulting in both the ASI and motorcycle catching fire. “We checked his background. We haven’t found so far that he had enmity with anybody in the department or outside. Either it could be an accident or an act of sabotage that can be ascertained only after analysing the autopsy report,” the SP added.Police said they have so far not found any trace of a truck or other vehicle that hit the motorcycle or vice-versa. Senior police officers ruled out suicide.Pabitra is survived by his wife and son.