Balasore: A 48-year-old man allegedly died by suicide at his residence in Maldapada village under Khantapada police station limits of Balasore district on Monday.
The incident occurred while his wife was away observing Sabitri Brata.
The deceased has been identified as Padmalochan Behera, son of Harihar Behera, had been bedridden for the past three months following a road accident. Unable to walk since the incident, Behera was under treatment with his wife spending all her savings on his medical care.
According to sources, Behera was the sole breadwinner, working as a master mason to support his wife and two children — a son studying in Class IX and a daughter in Class IV. The family had been struggling to meet ends since his injury.
Left alone at home, Behera reportedly went to the roof, tied a rope around his neck, and jumped. He was immediately rushed to the Khantapada Community Health Centre (CHC), where doctors declared him brought dead.
Khantapada police reached the spot upon receiving information, seized the body, and have initiated an investigation.
The sudden demise has cast a pall of gloom over the village. Locals have urged the administration to provide immediate assistance to the bereaved family.