An Odia labourer died under suspicious circumstances in Chennai, triggering concern and distress among his family members and villagers in Odisha’s Ganjam district after it was revealed that no post-mortem examination was conducted to ascertain the cause of death.
The deceased has been identified as S. Santosh Reddy, a native of Bajapalli village under Digapahandi block in Ganjam district. His body was brought back to his native village on Monday, following which his last rites were performed at the village cremation ground amid grief and lingering uncertainty over the circumstances surrounding his death.
Santosh Reddy had been working as a labourer with a private company in Chennai for several years. According to available information, he suddenly fell ill for reasons that remain unclear. As his condition deteriorated, he was admitted in a critical state to Rajiv Gandhi Central Hospital near the Chennai railway station, where doctors declared him dead during treatment. No official details were provided regarding the exact cause of death.
The sudden nature of his death has led family members and villagers to raise suspicion, particularly after confirmation that no post-mortem examination was conducted. They expressed concern that the absence of a medical examination has left several important questions unanswered.
Following the arrival of the body in Bajapalli village, discussions intensified among locals over the need for greater transparency in cases involving migrant workers who die outside their home state. The family has expressed hope that the authorities will provide clarity on the circumstances of Santosh Reddy’s death and address lingering doubts.
At the time of reporting, no official response was available regarding the absence of a post-mortem examination or whether any further inquiry would be initiated.