An elderly man in Odisha’s Kalahandi district died by suicide by jumping into the funeral pyre of his wife.

The incident took place on Tuesday night at Sialajodi under Golamunda block of the tribal-dominated district, about 490km from here. Police have registered a case of unnatural death on Wednesday.

Sources said that Nilamani Sabar, a 68-year-old farmer, could not bear the loss of his wife, Raibati, 62, who died on Tuesday after having fever for a few days. Unable to come to terms with this personal tragedy Nilamani, jumped into the funeral pyre of Raibati even before those present could realise what was happening.

The couple had four sons and a daughter, all married. While their three sons lived in the same village, the fourth son was settled in the neighbouring village. But Nilamani and Raibati lived in a separate house and earned their livelihood independently. While Raibati worked as a ward member of Sialajodi village, Nilamani grew crops on his land and also dabbled in astrology.

Local Chahaka gram panchayat sarpanch Danara Bag told The Telegraph: “Raibati was suffering from fever for two days. Later, she was admitted to the hospital. After she recovered she came back home but suddenly her health deteriorated on Tuesday and she died.”

“The cremation rituals began around 8pm. As per the rituals, after the pyre was lit all those taking part in the cremation went to the village pond for a bath leaving the body under the care of just one of the relatives to collect the bones. Nilamani, who was sitting all alone in a corner on the cremation ground, suddenly got up, ran and jumped into the burning pyre,” said Bag.

The sarpanch said: “The couple used to get an old age allowance of Rs 500 each. They were also getting 10kg of rice under subsidised rice schemes. Besides, they used to sell chicken and goats. They never depended on their children. But Nilamani was distraught after his wife’s death and was also worried about his future. He might not have wanted to depend on his children.”

Some local journalists visited the cremation site and confirmed the incident. “None of the sons of the couple are ready to comment on the issue. They have switched off their phones. Police today visited the site and registered a case,” said Sudhir Sahu.

Dr Seema Parija, assistant professor, department of psychiatry, SCB Medical College and Hospital Cuttack, told The Telegraph: “Nuclear family structure has destroyed the social support system which existed for the elderly. Often the elderly land up in old age homes or are victims of abuse and neglect in their homes. When a spouse dies, the living partner often feels helpless and considers life a burden. Loneliness and isolation often lead to depression, anxiety and stress and may at times lead to suicide which they perceive as their only way of escape from misery.”