Sanakhemundi (Ganjam): In a tragic incident, an elderly man allegedly died by suicide after setting himself on fire at Badhiusta village under Sanakhemundi block on Wednesday afternoon.

The deceased has been identified as Pitabas Acharya. According to sources, he poured kerosene over himself and set himself ablaze. A suicide note, purportedly written by him, was found at his residence. In the note, he urged that his wife be looked after properly.

Family members revealed Pitabas had been suffering from a prolonged illness, and his wife had also been unwell for an extended period.

Following the incident, family members and locals rushed him to Adapada Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

On being informed, Patapur police reached the spot and launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause behind the extreme step.