Puri: A 45-year-old home guard, assigned to duty for the Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, has died under unclear circumstances, with initial indications pointing to a possible snakebite as the cause.

The incident occurred on Saturday night, prompting police to initiate an investigation. The definitive cause of death will be established following a post-mortem examination.

The deceased, identified as Pradeep Kumar Mahanta, was from Hundapita village in the Kendujhar district and was part of a 50-member team of home guards dispatched to provide security during the festival.

Reports indicate that Mahanta was resting in a room at Satyabadi High School, where home guards were accommodated for the event. He reportedly awoke in the early hours feeling unwell and began to vomit. His fellow guards noticed white froth around his mouth and quickly transported him to Sakhigopal Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

While snakebite is suspected, the definitive cause will only be determined after the autopsy. Following the incident, local police from Satyabadi promptly arrived to investigate, and the body has been sent to Puri District Headquarters Hospital for a thorough examination.

Upon hearing about the unfortunate event, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family. He also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) and pledged to appoint one qualified family member of Mahanta as a home guard.