The partially-decomposed body of a woman, aged around 20 years, was recovered from the Cooum River at Choolaimedu on Thursday.
Police said a Chennai Corporation worker discovered the body, which was stuck below a pipe, as he was clearing debris from the river. The unidentified woman was clad in a red salwar and was wearing jewellery.
Police and personnel of the Fire and Rescue Services rushed to the spot and recovered the body by Thursday noon. The body was moved to Kilpauk Medical College for post-mortem.
Based on the rate of decomposition, police suspect the woman must have died around three days back and the body must have been washed down by the river.
Pictures of the woman have been circulated and details of missing person complaints received in the City were also being pursued by police to ascertain her identity.