Odisha singer Ruksana Bano dies at 27, family suspects poisoning

Popular Sambalpuri singer Ruksana Bano died while receiving treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, according to hospital sources. The 27-year-old was reportedly being treated for Scrub Typhus, though the hospital has not disclosed the exact cause of her death, which occurred on Wednesday, September 18 night.
However, her mother and sister alleged that a rival singer from western Odisha poisoned her, though they did not disclose the identity of the artist. They also claimed that Ruksana had received threats in the past.
“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 also released a video message echoing these claims, which quickly went viral on social media.