Bhadrak, Jan 8: A condolence meeting was organised at the Bhadrak Collectorate on Wednesday to pay homage to News7 journalist Sheela Pattnayak, who died in a tragic road accident. Lamps were lit and a silent prayer was observed, seeking eternal peace for the departed soul.

The meeting was attended by Bhadrak Additional District Magistrate Saroj Kumar Dutta, Public Relations Officer Madhusmita Satapathy, senior journalists Gyan Prakash Pani, Narendra Samal, Smruti Ranjan Sahu, and several other working journalists. The attendees paid floral tributes and observed a two-minute silence in memory of the late journalist.

Sheela Pattnayak, a correspondent with News7, lost her life in a fatal road accident on the Bhubaneswar–Puri highway. She was travelling on a scooter with another woman, Sipika Priyadarshini, when a bus allegedly hit them from behind. The incident has sparked public outrage over sand reportedly lying on the highway, raising concerns about road safety.

Known for her dedicated work and distinct contribution to journalism, Sheela Pattnayak’s untimely demise has deeply saddened the media fraternity and the local community.