SAMBALPUR: A first-time woman Sarpanch attempted suicide on Sunday after receiving a no-confidence motion notice in Bargarh district’s Padampur subdivision. Urmila Seth, 45, the Sarpanch of Talpali Panchayat under Gaisilet block, allegedly consumed poison following the notice.
The incident occurred after Panchayat committee members filed a complaint with the sub-collector, accusing Seth of corruption and alleging that her husband frequently disrupted operations at the Panchayat office.
Based on these grievances, the subcollector approved a special meeting under Section 24(2) of the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act 1964, scheduled for November 12, 2024, at the Talpali Gram Panchayat Office.
“My mother took this extreme step after the no-confidence motion was filed,” said Ram Seth, the Sarpanch’s son. He claimed that the ex-Sarpanch, who had initially supported his mother’s candidacy, was now showing “hypocrisy” that had deeply affected his parents.
Dr. EP Panigrahi of Padampur Subdivisional Hospital confirmed that Seth was admitted after consuming insecticide. “We have provided primary treatment, and her condition is now stable,” he said.
Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Bhibhuti Bhusan Bhoi stated that no case has been registered yet. “We will proceed with registration after receiving the medical report. In case of death, it will be treated as an unnatural death case,” he added.
The Tehsildar of Gaisilet will preside over the upcoming meeting, where committee members who moved the no-confidence motion are expected to present their arguments.