Kandhamala: A couple allegedly died after consuming a traditional herbal remedy provided by a local faith healer, locally known as a ‘Gunia’, in Kandhamala district on Tuesday.
The deceased were identified as Lalita Kanhar and Kanhu Kanhar, residents of Nedipanga village under the Gochhapada police station limits.
According to reports, the couple, who had been unable to conceive despite several years of marriage, had reportedly approached a faith healer in the Baliguda-Daringbadi region and obtained a traditional herbal medicine.
Soon after consuming the remedy, both Lalita and Kanhu fell critically ill. They were initially admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Phulbani after their condition deteriorated.
As their health condition worsened, the couple was referred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for advanced treatment.
Lalita died while undergoing treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital. Following her death, her husband and family members took her body back to their village for the last rites.
However, tragedy struck again when Kanhu reportedly fell critically ill after performing his wife’s funeral. He was subsequently taken for treatment but died later.
The couple’s last rites were performed by relatives and villagers amid a pall of gloom in Nedipanga village.
