Puri: In a shocking incident, an elderly woman, suffering from COVID-19, died by suicide by setting herself on fire at Jainabad under Nimapara NAC in Puri district Thursday night. The octogenarian took the extreme step as she allegedly felt being neglected by relatives and family members. The deceased has been identified as Shailabala (87).
According to a source, the octogenarian had tested positive for the virus a few days back and since then had been under home isolation.
It has been alleged that her family members neglected her. They did not provide her with food while she was in isolation and also did not arrangement any treatment for her. They distanced themselves from her, possibly due to the stigma and fear associated with COVID-19.
Depressed at the turn of events, Shailabala decided to end her life. She locked herself in a room Thursday night and set herself on fire after pouring kerosene on her body.
After getting information, Nimapara police reached the spot and following COVID-19 protocols recovered the body. Then the body was sent to Puri for the last rites.
Registering a case, the police have launched a probe into the incident.
PNN
