Manoj Patra, Rayagada district correspondent of Odisha Television Limited (OTV), passed away during treatment at MKCG hospital in Berhampur on Tuesday. He was 55.
According to sources, Patra fell sick yesterday and was admitted to the hospital. He breathed his last this morning while under treatment.
OTV news editor Radhamadhab Mishra and other employees of the news channel expressed deep grief over the passing away of Patra who had a long association with the news channel. He was working with OTV since 2009.
Expressing grief over the demise of Patra, OTV news editor Radhamadhab Mishra wrote, “2021 has been very tragic for us, it’s very painful. RIP Manoj Babu, Om Shanti.”
BJP national vice president also condoled the death of Patra. “Baijayant Panda expresses grief at the untimely passing of the OTV correspondent from Rayagada, Manoj Patra. His thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family,” the office of the Jay Panda tweeted.
Meanwhile, the family members of Patra brought allegations of medical negligence at the government-run medical college and hospital.
“My brother fell sick and began vomiting following which we rushed him to the hospital yesterday at around 9.30 pm. He was admitted in the casualty ward. A woman staffer attended him in the morning and advised us to go home stating that his condition was stable. However, he lost sense once we reached home. We again brought him to the hospital and he passed away,” Patra's elder brother Binod alleged.
“If the woman staffer did not have the knowledge of the treatment, she should have referred my brother to other hospital. Her ignorance and negligence led to the death of my brother,” he complained.