A young devotee, identified as Kiran Patra, allegedly severed his own tongue with a knife at Maa Kali Temple in Hansatuli village under Beguniapada block of Ganjam district.
The incident occurred late at night following a family dispute.
Reports state that Kiran arrived at the temple and used a sharp knife to inflict the self-harm. He collapsed soon after, suffering severe pain and traumatic shock. In the morning, locals discovered him lying in a pool of blood near the temple gate in critical condition.
Witnesses immediately alerted police and called an ambulance. The injured man was rushed to Khallikote Hospital for primary treatment before being shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Brahmapur for advanced care.
Police have launched an investigation into the matter. Authorities are working to determine the circumstances that led to the shocking act. Further details are awaited.
