An elderly man in Odisha’s Kalahandi district died by suicide by jumping into the funeral pyre of his wife.
The incident took place on Tuesday night at Sialajodi under the Golamunda block of the tribal-dominated district, about 490km from here. Police have registered a case of unnatural death on Wednesday.
Sources said that Nilamani Sabar, a 68-year-old farmer, couldn't bear the loss of his wife, Raibati, 62, who died on Tuesday after having fever for a few days. Unable to come to terms with this personal tragedy Nilamani, jumped into the funeral pyre of Raibati even before those present could realise what was happening.
The couple had 4 sons & a daughter, all married. While their 3 sons lived in the same village, the fourth son was settled in the neighbouring village. But Nilamani & Raibati lived in separate houses & earned their livelihood independently. While Raibati worked as a ward member of Sialajodi village, Nilamani grew crops on his land & also dabbled in astrology.
Local Chahaka gram panchayat sarpanch Danara Bag told the news agency that “Raibati was suffering from fever for two days. Later, she was admitted to the hospital. After she recovered she came back home but suddenly her health deteriorated on Tuesday & she died.”
Bag said that “The cremation rituals began around 8pm. As per the rituals, after the pyre was lit all those taking part in the cremation went to the village pond for a bath leaving the body under the care of just one of the relatives to collect the bones. Nilamani, who was sitting all alone in a corner on the cremation ground, suddenly got up, ran & jumped into the burning pyre".
The sarpanch said: “The couple used to get an old age allowance of Rs 500 each. They were also getting 10kg of rice under subsidised rice schemes. Besides, they used to sell chicken & goats. They never depended on their children. But Nilamani was distraught after his wife’s death & was also worried about his future. He might not have wanted to depend on his children.”
Some local journalists visited the cremation site & confirmed the incident. “None of the sons of the couple are ready to comment on the issue. They have switched off their phones. Police today visited the site & registered a case,” said Sudhir Sahu.
Dr Seema Parija, assistant professor, department of psychiatry, SCB Medical College & Hospital Cuttack, told The Telegraph: “Nuclear family structure has destroyed the social support system which existed for the elderly. Often the elderly land up in old age homes or are victims of abuse & neglect in their homes. When a spouse dies, the living partner often feels helpless & considers life a burden. Loneliness & isolation often lead to depression, anxiety & stress & may at times lead to suicide which they perceive as their only way of escape from misery.”
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