Malkangiri, May 23: A forest department para worker allegedly died due to sunstroke while on patrolling duty in Odisha’s Malkangiri district. The incident was reported from the Mathili police limits and is said to be the first heatstroke-related death in the area this season.

The deceased has been identified as Gouranga Pujari. According to sources, he had gone for routine forest patrolling when he suddenly collapsed unconscious on the roadside. He was initially rushed to Mathili hospital and later shifted to the Malkangiri District Headquarters Hospital after his condition deteriorated. However, doctors declared him dead at the hospital.

Following the incident, locals and family members have demanded government assistance and compensation for the bereaved family.