Odisha: Ailing 65-Year-Old Priest Dies By Self-Immolation in Ganjam
Acharya is said to have poured kerosene over himself before igniting the fire. Though family members and neighbours rushed him to the nearby community health centre in Adapada, he was declared brought dead.
Bhubaneswar: A 65-year-old priest allegedly died by suicide after setting himself on fire at his residence in Badiaostha village of Odisha’s Ganjam district on Wednesday, reports said on Thursday.
Police suspect prolonged illness and depression may have driven him to the extreme step.
The deceased, identified as Pitabash Acharya, was reportedly battling several health conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and gastroenteritis. According to police, he had shown signs of depression in recent days.
The incident occurred in the backyard of his home under the jurisdiction of Pattapur police station, while his wife was inside engaged in household chores. Acharya is said to have poured kerosene over himself before igniting the fire. Though family members and neighbours rushed him to the nearby community health centre in Adapada, he was declared brought dead.
“He was suffering from multiple ailments and had withdrawn into silence over the past few days. But we never imagined he would take such a drastic step,” said his younger son Sitaram Acharya, who resides in Berhampur. His elder son lives separately in the same village.
Ganjam Superintendent of Police (SP) Subhendu Patra confirmed that a case of unnatural death has been registered and an investigation is underway. A suicide note recovered from the house stated that no one was responsible for his death.
“We are probing the matter to ascertain the exact reasons behind the act,” said SP Patra.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or mental health issues, please reach out to a mental health professional or helpline.