Baripada (Mayurbhanj): A couple died after allegedly falling ill following a funeral feast in Mayurbhanj district, with contaminated food suspected to be the cause of their deaths, police said on Sunday.
The deceased were identified as Bhanja Sirka (35) and his wife, Biranga Naik (27), residents of the Similipal area.
According to reports, the couple returned home on Saturday night after attending a funeral feast at Chaturisahi village under the jurisdiction of Bishoi police station.
Around 3 am, both complained of severe abdominal pain, following which their relatives rushed them to the Manada Community Health Centre. Sirka died while undergoing treatment, police said.
His wife was subsequently shifted to Rairangpur hospital in critical condition, where she died shortly after admission, Bishoi police station Inspector-in-Charge Subarna Behera said.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident.
“Contaminated food is suspected to be the cause of their deaths, though the exact cause can be ascertained after the post-mortem reports are received and the investigation is completed,” Behera said.
Meanwhile, local residents have urged the district administration to provide assistance for the care and welfare of the couple’s two minor children.
