Kandhamal: A childless couple in Odisha’s Kandhamal district allegedly died after consuming a potion given by a traditional faith healer who reportedly promised that it would help them have a child.

Kanhu Kahnar, 35, and his wife Lalita Kahnar, 29, of Nedipanga village under Katringia panchayat in Gochhapada police limits, had reportedly been married for around 15 years but had no children.

Couple allegedly paid Rs 1.40 lakh for potion

Hoping to conceive, the couple reportedly approached a traditional healer from the Daringbadi area. The healer allegedly assured them that they would be able to have a child after consuming a concoction he had prepared.

According to sources, the couple allegedly gave the healer Rs 1.40 lakh, a gold chain and a pair of gold earrings in exchange for the potion, which was supplied in a plastic bottle.

After consuming it on Sunday, both reportedly fell seriously ill.

Wife dies in hospital, husband dies later

Family members initially rushed the couple to the District Headquarters Hospital in Phulbani. As their condition worsened, they were shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur the same day.

Lalita died soon after reaching the hospital, while Kanhu was admitted for treatment.

After his wife’s death, Kanhu reportedly returned to his village on Monday to perform her last rites. However, he too died at around 9 am on Tuesday.

Police suspect poisonous substance

Sub-divisional police officer Subhrajit Biswal said the family had not yet filed a complaint. However, the inspector-in-charge of Gochhapada police station has been directed to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.

A preliminary investigation reportedly indicated that the potion consumed by the couple may have contained poison. Police said the exact nature of the substance and whether it caused the deaths would be established through medical and forensic examinations.

An unnatural death case has been registered at BN Pur police station in Berhampur in connection with Lalita’s death. Gochhapada police are collecting relevant documents from BN Pur police station to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.

Police are investigating the alleged role of the traditional healer and the circumstances that led to the couple consuming the potion.