A sorrowful incident struck Badhiausta village under Patapur police jurisdiction in Ganjam district, as an elderly man reportedly took his own life by setting himself ablaze.
According to local sources, the man had written a suicide note before pouring kerosene over himself and lighting the fire. The shocking act occurred on Wednesday, and he was rushed to the nearby Adapada Medical Centre, where doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival.
The suicide note reportedly reads, “I don’t want to live; please take care of my wife.” The emotional message was directed to his son, sparking grief and alarm across the community.
Police have launched a formal investigation into the matter, and the body has been sent for a postmortem. Authorities are also examining any mental or social stressors that may have led to the tragic decision.
This incident has reignited conversations around elderly care and mental health in rural Odisha, highlighting the need for community support systems and early intervention.
