Kuttanad, Kerala: Preliminary forensic findings suggest that skeletal remains found inside a bag abandoned in the Pampa River at Nedumudi are not linked to a murder case, police said.

The findings emerged after an initial forensic examination at Alappuzha Medical College Hospital.

The officials said the bones recovered from the bag belonged to more than one person. A jawbone recovered from the bag was identified as belonging to a man, while a hip bone was determined to be from a woman. Several other bone fragments from different individuals were also found.

Police and medical experts suspect the remains may have been anatomical study materials used by first-year medical students. Investigators said markings made with a pen were found on some of the bones, strengthening that possibility.

Human bones are commonly used by medical students for anatomy studies in India. Police believe the skeletal parts may have been discarded in the river after use.

Officials said such bone sets are often passed on from one batch of students to the next and are generally not stored in hospitals.

Based on the preliminary findings, investigators said the case is unlikely to involve homicide.

However, authorities said the remains will undergo further forensic analysis, including possible DNA testing, to establish complete clarity.

The Nedumudi Police have launched an investigation to determine which medical college the bones may have come from and whether they were intentionally discarded by medical students.

Police said the remains will be buried after the investigation and expert examinations are completed.