The victim, identified as Bablu Hemran, 27, was a postgraduate student of Social Science at the Rajshahi College. He was the president of the college's Adibashi Chhatra Front and a member of the central committee of the Santal Student Union.

He was murdered in his home at Mundumala Municipality's Moyenpur village in Tanore late on Thursday night.

Tanore police OC Anwar Hossain said the beheaded body was found in the bedroom on Friday morning. It was sent to the Rajshahi Medical College for autopsy.

"The attackers had entered the bedroom and fled leaving behind his (Bablu) body after decapitating it. Hearing a noise at that late hour, his parents went to his room and saw the body. The room's door was found broken too," said OC Hossain.

Police are yet to detain anyone. They along with a Rajshahi CID delegation had inspected the spot.

Bablu, who had sat for his Master’s examination two months ago, was at home, said the OC.

"No clue to the murder was found immediately. But a police investigation has started. Apart from the members of the victim's family, locals have also been questioned."

Bablu's father said his son was a popular young man.

"Bablu was a good football player. Neither he nor our family had any dispute with anyone in the village," he said.

"He was involved in politics at Rajshahi College. He may have been killed in a political vendetta."