Bhubaneswar: A day after Rairakhol correspondent of an Odia news channel succumbed to injuries sustained in a road mishap, his elder brother on Tuesday lodged a written complaint with Naktideul police station in Odisha’s Sambalpur district, alleging foul play in his death.
According to police sources, Ramakant Mahananda (46) suffered grievous injuries after his motorcycle collided with a culvert while he was on his way to Naktideul to cover a grievance-related programme of the Sambalpur collector. He was rushed to a nearby hospital by locals and later shifted to VIMSAR, Burla, where he succumbed during treatment.
In his complaint, Umakanta Mahananda stated that his younger brother Ramakanta left home at about 9.30 am to cover a story near Naktideul. He alleged that unidentified assailants faked a road accident after killing him. He insisted that the murder was premeditated and attributed it to his repeated exposés on ganja smuggling and corruption in the area.
The family has sought a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.
Police, however, are yet to issue a statement on the matter.
Ramakant was known in the media circle as a ‘sincere’ and ‘committed’ journalist. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in a post on ‘X’, described him as a ‘skilled, courageous, and dedicated journalist’ and said his contribution to the field would be remembered forever.
Terming Ramakant’s death as an irreparable loss to Rairakhol region, former minister and district BJD president Rohit Pujari said his contribution to journalism would remain an inspiration for youths.
