Puri, May 11: A pall of gloom descended on Banakhandi village under Konark police limits after a man died of a suspected heart attack on the very day of his daughter’s wedding. The deceased has been identified as 70-year-old Basudev Barik.

According to reports, Basudev’s daughter was scheduled to marry a youth from Kotang village near Balidokan on Sunday night. Preparations for the wedding had been completed, with tents erected at the house and relatives already arriving for the ceremony. Family members said Basudev was overjoyed about the occasion and had been actively supervising arrangements since early morning.

However, at around 6:30 am, he suddenly complained of uneasiness while sitting at home. Family members immediately rushed him to the Gop Community Health Centre in an ambulance. He died while undergoing treatment at the hospital.

The tragic incident left family members and villagers in deep shock. Following his death, the wedding ceremony was temporarily put on hold. Sources said the marriage rituals are likely to be completed later in the day.