Bhubaneswar lawyer dies after self-immolation; mental health under probe

By Nalini Sahu

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 29: In a shocking incident, a 46-year-old lawyer allegedly died by self-immolation in Bhubaneswar on Thursday night, with police suspecting mental health issues as a possible trigger.

The deceased, identified as Deepak Kumar Sahoo, was a practising advocate who lived with his elderly mother, wife, and two daughters. The incident took place near the Pandara area under Mancheswar Police Station, leaving the neighbourhood in shock.

According to neighbours, Sahoo had suffered mental health breakdowns in the past and had been hospitalised twice for treatment. Although he was prescribed medication, he had reportedly discontinued it in recent months and had withdrawn from social interactions.

On being alerted, Mancheswar Police rushed to the scene and sent the body for post-mortem at Capital Hospital. A petrol bottle, allegedly used in the act, was recovered from the spot. A forensic team has also been pressed into service.

Mancheswar Police said the investigation would cover both personal and professional angles.

“His family members revealed that he had been treated for brain-related ailments twice and was under medication, which he had stopped taking,” an officer of Mancheswar Police Station confirmed.

However, some neighbours claimed the lawyer often quarreled with his wife and suggested that other circumstances could have contributed to the tragedy.

“The incident occurred around 8 pm on Thursday. By the time we reached his home, he was already severely burnt. We immediately informed the police,” a local resident said.