Two Devotees Die During ‘Danda Nata’ In Odisha’s Boudh

Boudh: Two devotees performing as ‘danduas’ died during Danda Nata in Hrbhanga area of Odisha’s Boudh district on Friday. A pall of gloom descended on the area after the death of the two devotees.

The deceased were identified as Budhia Naik of Maulsingha and Sribatsa Barik of Tileswar. They belonged to two separate troupes.

The tragedy took place at Badikapata under Purunakatak police limits after the devotees had some food late on Thursday night.

Sources said, a Danda troupe had performed at Badikata at night. In the morning, members of the troupe were prepared to leave for another village. However, Sribatsa did not wake up and was immediately rushed to Purunakatak CHC where he died during treatment.

In another case, a Danda troupe was performing puja at Atalsara when a Dandua identified as Budhia Naik suddenly fell sick and was taken to Purunakatak CHC. However, doctors declared him brought dead.

While the two were suspected to have died due to food poisoning, the exact reason will be known only after postmortem, they said.

Meanwhile, police have seized the bodies and started an investigation into the incidents. Police said, the reason for their death will be known after the postmortem reports are available.