Bhubaneswar, June 16 -- A 60-year-old widow from Odisha's Ganjam district allegedly died by suicide after being deprived of her widow pension for nearly three months, triggering widespread concern and a fresh political controversy over delays in the disbursement of social security benefits.

The elderly woman took an extreme step and has ended her life by consuming poison, sources said on Tuesday.

The fatal incident was reported from Chadhiapada village under Beguniapada block. The deceased, identified as B. Sabitri Dora, had reportedly been receiving widow pension benefits for the past 17 years following the death of her husband. However, her pension payments were allegedly discontinued three months ago, leaving her in severe financial ...