CM Mohan Majhi announces Rs 4L assistance for family of deceased journalist Sheela Pattanayak

OdishaCM Mohan Majhi on Friday announced financial assistance of Rs 4L for the family of senior journalist Sheela Pattanayak, who lost her life in a tragic road accident earlier this month. 

The assistance will be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced. Expressing deep sorrow over the untimely demise of the journalist, the Chief Minister paid tribute to Sheela’s dedication to the profession and her commitment to honest and responsible journalism. He stated that her contribution to news reporting and her sense of duty would always be remembered with respect.

Tragic Road Mishap

The fatal accident occurred on January 6 near Pipili Mangalapur Chhak, where Sheela sustained severe injuries after being involved in a road mishap. According to sources, the accident occurred when a speeding bus hit Sheela and a friend’s scooter near Mangalpur Chhak. 

Also Read: Odisha CM Mohan Majhi, BJP National VP Baijayant Panda mourn demise of journalist Sheela Pattanayak

Journalist Sheela, died on the spot due to the impact. The other woman sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she also sadly succumbed to her injuries.

Financial Assistance

Following the incident, several journalist associations and civil society groups expressed condolences and demanded support for her bereaved family. Responding to these sentiments, the Chief Minister directed the concerned authorities to extend immediate financial assistance to help the family cope with the sudden loss.

The announcement has been welcomed by members of the media community, who termed it a gesture of solidarity and recognition of the risks journalists often face while discharging their professional duties. Many also reiterated the need for improved road safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.