Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed deep condolences over the death of Kalahandi journalist Rohit Biswal in a landmine blast planted by Maoists.
Taking to Twitter, Patnaik prayed for the salvation of Rohit’s immortal soul extended his sympathies to the bereaved family at this moment of sorrow.
“Violence has no place in the democracy. The government is strongly condemning the Maoist violence and would take “severe action” against the issue,” the CM said.
Patnaik has also announced Rs 13 lakh ex-gratia to be paid to the family of journalist Rohit. While Rs 9 lakh out of the ex-gratia amount will be paid by the State Police, Rs 4 lakh will be paid from the Journalists’ Welfare Fund.
Rohit was killed in a landmine blast suspected to be planted by Maoists in Madanpur Rampur of Kalahandi district today.
He was on assignment to report the surfacing of Maoist posters in the forested area near Dulen Chhak on Karlakhunta-Manikera road when the blast occurred killing him on the spot.
