Blind Belief / Blind Faith Claims Tribal Couple’s Lives in Kandhamal

Kandhamal, Aug 25: A tragic incident in Kandhamal district has highlighted the dangers of blind faith and reliance on traditional healers.

A tribal couple from Nedipanga village under Gochhapada police limits died after consuming herbal medicine prescribed by a local healer in the hope of having children.

The deceased were identified as Lalita Kahnar and Kanhu Kahnar. Married for many years without children, the couple had approached a healer from Baliguda area seeking remedies.

Also read: Snakebite Tragedy Claims Lives in Odisha Villages

On August 22, they consumed the herbal preparation given to them and went to bed. By the next morning, both were found in critical condition.

Family members rushed them to the district headquarters hospital in Phulbani. Lalita succumbed first, while Kanhu was shifted to Berhampur Medical College for advanced treatment.

Despite efforts, he too passed away. Their deaths have plunged the village into mourning and sparked shock across the district.

Officials said the couple belonged to the tribal community, where reliance on traditional healers remains common.

Despite advances in medical science, many families continue to trust herbal remedies and rituals over modern healthcare. This incident has once again exposed the risks of such practices.

Residents expressed grief and concern, noting that superstition and blind faith continue to claim lives in the region. The tragedy has triggered calls for stronger awareness campaigns and better access to healthcare facilities in tribal areas.

Kandhamal, a tribal‑dominated district, has witnessed similar incidents in the past. Authorities stress that timely medical intervention is crucial and urge people to avoid unsafe remedies.