Couple dies after 'consuming poison' in Odisha; five-year-old son found alone in Deogarh forest

A man and his wife died after an alleged suicide attempt by consuming poison in a forested area under the Kundheigola police station limits of Deogarh district on Sunday. 

The couple’s five-year-old son, who was found alone in the forest, has been shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack amid suspicion that he was also administered poison.

The deceased have been identified as Dushmant Majhi and his wife Rinki. Their minor son is currently undergoing treatment at SCB, where doctors are monitoring his condition.

Incident Unfolds In Forest Area

According to preliminary information, the couple was returning on a motorcycle from Rinki’s parental home along with their five-year-old son when they reportedly stopped inside a forest area. Police sources said the couple allegedly consumed poison there.

The child is suspected to have been given poison as well, prompting doctors to refer him to SCB Medical College and Hospital for advanced treatment.

Child Spent Night Beside Unconscious Parents

Police sources said the minor boy remained beside his unconscious parents inside the forest throughout the night. At daybreak, the child reportedly walked towards the nearby road and informed passers-by about his parents’ condition.

Following the alert, local residents informed the police, who rushed to the spot and shifted all three to a nearby hospital. However, doctors declared Dushmant dead first, and Rinki succumbed later during treatment.

Bodies Sent For Post-Mortem

After post-mortem examinations, Dushmant’s body was taken to his native village, Jayantapali, on Sunday evening, where a sombre atmosphere prevailed. Rinki’s body was sent for post-mortem examination at Angul district headquarters hospital, with arrangements made for its transfer to her native place.

Meanwhile, villagers and relatives have been praying for the recovery of the child, who remains under medical care in Cuttack.

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Police Investigation Underway

As of the latest reports, Kundheigola police registered a case and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the incident. 

While family-related issues are being examined as a possible factor, police officials said the precise reason behind the alleged suicide attempt has not yet been established.