Puri: A devotee died after suddenly falling ill while waiting outside the barricades for darshan at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha's Puri on Friday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Debaraj Sahu, a resident of Dhenkanal district.

According to reports, Sahu had arrived at the temple with his relatives and was waiting in the queue outside the barricades for darshan when he suddenly complained of illness.

Police personnel and Shree Jagannath Temple security staff deployed at the spot immediately rescued him and rushed him to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital (DHH).

However, doctors declared him dead after conducting a medical examination and providing treatment.

Subsequently, the authorities contacted his family members and examined his medical records. It was learnt that Sahu had been suffering from a heart-related ailment for the past three years and was undergoing treatment.

A preliminary assessment suggests that he may have died following a cardiac arrest.

Further details are awaited.