3 Of Family Die In ‘Suicide Pact’ In Odisha’s Bargarh

Bargarh: An alleged suicide pact wiped out an entire family of Masterpada under Sohela block in Odisha’s Bargarh district. While brother-sister duo – both in their 20s – died on Sunday, their mother succumbed during treatment at VIMSAR, Burla, on Monday.

The deceased have been identified as Kumuduni Sahoo (52), her son Bansidhar Sahoo (28) and daughter Subarna Mahajan (24).

The trio had allegedly consumed pesticide on Sunday.

According to sources, neighbours spotted Subarna’s two-year-old daughter crying helplessly outside their home around 11 am. They spoke to the little girl and immediately informed police, which rushed to the spot, broke open the door of the house and found the three lying unconscious. They are immediately taken to Sohela Community Health Centre (CHC) and then to Bargarh district headquarters hospital, where Bansidhar succumbed during treatment. Subarna died on the way to Burla. Their mother was shifted to VIMSAR in a critical condition, but breathed her last this morning.

Initially investigation revealed that Kumudini and her two children were under severe mental stress after the death of her husband Arjun Sahoo, who passed away due to chronic illness, on September 6. Financial stress is not seen as a trigger for the suicide pact since the family was well-off and traded in utensils. “The trio might have attempted suicide due to depression. A detailed investigation is underway,” said Sohela police station IIC Pranaya Murmu.