15-Year-Old Girl Dies, Friend Critical After Taking Poison In Odisha’s Rayagada

Rayagada: A minor girl died while her friend was battling for life after allegedly consuming poison in a suspected suicide pact at a village in Odisha’s Rayagada district on Monday.

The incident happened at Uttukapadhu village under the jurisdiction of Chandili police station in the district. While it was not clear as to why the girls, aged around 15 years, took poison, police have launched an investigation to ascertain the reason behind the move.

The deceased was identified as Sangeeta Heprika, while her friend Shivani Palka has been admitted to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) at Rayagada in a critical condition.

Both the girls were studying in a Sevashram School nearby. While Sangeeta dropped out after class 9 last year, Shivani continued her study and had come to the village due to summer vacation. She was regularly visiting Sangeeta.

This morning also Shivani went to Sangeeta’s house when she was alone and both allegedly consumed poison and fell down unconscious.

On being informed by neighbours, the family members rushed back and took the two girls to the Primary Health Centre (PHC). The two were later shifted to Rayagada DHH where Sangeeta died during treatment. Shivani undergoing treatment at the hospital and her condition is stated to be critical.