Popular Sambalpuri singer Ruksana Bano dies; family alleges poisoning by rival artist

Popular Sambalpuri singer Ruksana Bano has passed away while receiving treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, according to hospital sources. The 27-year-old was being treated for Scrub Typhus, but the hospital has not disclosed the cause of her death, which occurred on Wednesday night.

Her mother and sister have alleged that she was poisoned by a rival singer from western Odisha, though they did not disclose the individual's identity. They also claimed that Ruksana had previously received threats.

"Around 15 days back, Ruksana fell ill while shooting in Bolangir after drinking some juice. She was admitted to a hospital in Bhawanipatna on August 27.


"After preliminary treatment, she was referred to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Bolangir and later shifted to a private hospital in Bargarh as her condition deteriorated. She was later brought to AIIMS Bhubaneswar as there was no improvement in her health condition," her sister Ruby Bano told reporters.

The deceased's mother had also issued a video message, making similar claims. The video went viral on social media.

(with PTI inputs)