Puri: Three devotees attending a religious event, Sarvabhauma Nigamananda Convention, at Kriyayog Ashram along Konark Marine Drive died in past two days due to health reasons. Two died on Saturday and one on Friday.
The deceased have been identified as Rabindra Pal (42) from West Bengal, Jagannath Samal (60) from Cuttack, and Prabhashini Panigrahi (60) from Ganjam district. Initial reports suggest heart attacks as the cause of death.
Quoting family members, Puri Sadar police station inspector in-charge (IIC) Bhabagrahi Raut said Samal complained of chest pain while serving kheer at the event and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Pal, who was attending with his family, experienced chest discomfort around noon and self-medicated from a nearby shop. He was found unresponsive while resting at 4 pm and was declared dead at the hospital. Police have taken custody of the bodies for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
The convention has drawn over 25,000 devotees, including more than 500 saints from across India. Local authorities are monitoring the situation as the event continues.