India, May 29 -- A physical examination for Home Guard recruitment in Odisha's Gajapati district turned tragic on Thursday when a candidate died and seven others were hospitalised after collapsing during the running test.

As per reports, the incident occurred on a 2-kilometre stretch between Ranipenth and Padmapur, where candidates were undergoing a physical fitness test as part of the recruitment drive. Eyewitnesses said several participants began collapsing midway through the run.

The deceased has been identified as Sulant Mishal, a resident of Parisal village in Gajapati district. Sulant collapsed just 30 seconds before completing the test. He was immediately rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) in Paralakhemundi in an...