Journalist killed in landmine blast in Odisha

Kalahandi: A journalist was killed after landmines allegedly planted by Maoists exploded near a bridge at Madanpur Rampur area in Odisha’s Kalahandi district on Saturday.

The deceased has been identified as Rohit Biswal of Mohangiri locality. He was working for a leading vernacular daily.

Biswal had gone to collect information at Karlakhunta Bridge where Maoists had allegedly put up posters appealing the villagers to boycott the Panchayat elections in the area.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced Rs 13 lakh ex-gratia to be paid to the family of journalist Rohit Kumar Biswal.

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.