Jagatsinghpur, June 25: Veteran journalist Nabakishore Mahapatra, whose wife Chhabirani was the victim of one of Odisha’s most sensational and gruesome crimes of the 1980s, passed away on Monday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Berhampur. He had been battling a neurological disorder for the past few months.
A native of Dihasaibiri village under Baredia Panchayat in Biridi block, Mahapatra’s death has rekindled memories of the infamous Chhabirani murder case that had shaken Odisha and drawn national attention over four decades ago.
Crusader against corruption
During the 1980s, Mahapatra worked as a journalist in the then undivided Cuttack district and was known for his fearless reporting against corruption in Biridi block. His investigative reports exposing alleged irregularities and influential persons involved in corrupt practices had earned him both recognition and powerful enemies.
His relentless pursuit of truth ultimately led to a personal tragedy that altered his life forever. The brutal killing of his wife Chhabirani became a symbol of the risks faced by journalists exposing corruption and wrongdoing.
The night of horror
According to reports, Mahapatra was living in a rented house at Biridi with his wife Chhabirani and their two-year-old son. On the night of October 3, 1980, he allegedly received threats from a group of anti-social elements who demanded that he leave the area.
Fearing for their safety, Mahapatra, along with his wife and child, left their residence late at night and attempted to reach their native village by crossing the Bilua Khai river. However, they were reportedly intercepted by the attackers on the riverbank and subjected to a violent assault.
In a desperate bid to save their child, Chhabirani reportedly urged her husband to flee with their son. Mahapatra managed to escape with the child, while the attackers allegedly captured Chhabirani. She was later subjected to a brutal assault and murdered, an incident that shocked the state and the nation.
Case that shook Odisha
The Chhabirani murder case triggered widespread outrage across Odisha and beyond. The incident sparked massive protests and political uproar, putting the then Congress government under intense pressure.
A strong public movement demanding justice was launched under the leadership of veteran politician Bishnu Das. Following a prolonged legal battle spanning more than two decades, the court eventually sentenced all the accused to life imprisonment.
End of an era
With the demise of Nabakishore Mahapatra, Odisha’s media fraternity has lost a journalist remembered for his courage, commitment to truth and unwavering stand against corruption. His passing has once again brought the tragic Chhabirani murder case into public memory, reminding many of a dark chapter in the state’s history and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of fearless journalism.
