Journalist Amjad Badshah, who contributed to Janta Ka Reporter from Odisha in the past, died on Sunday after undergoing treatment for COVID-19. He was 45.
Native of Jharsuguda in Odisha, Amjad had tested positive for COVID-19 on 8 April. He was later shifted to a hospital in Rourkela, where he lost the battle with COVID-19 on Sunday.
The news of his tragic death has stunned journalists and politicians in Odisha. Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das tweeted, “Utterly shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Shri Amjad Badshah, Journalist. It is a huge loss for all. I would like to express my sorrow and condolences to his family. His work will live in our memories forever.”
Utterly shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Shri Amjad Badshah, Journalist. It is a huge loss for all. I would like to express my sorrow and condolences to his family. His work will live in our memories forever.#nabadasjsg pic.twitter.com/vkdsMP8812
— Naba Kisore Das (@nabadasjsg) April 25, 2021
BJP MP Suresh Pujari tweeted, “Very very hard to believe but that Amjad Badshah, media person, social activist & above all a very very good human being is no more. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family members & homage to the departed soul. May the departed soul rest in it’s eternal peace.”
Very very hard to believe but that
Amjad Badshah, media person, social activist & above all a very very good human being is no more.
My deepest condolences to the bereaved family members & homage to the departed soul.
May the departed soul rest in it’s eternal peace. ???? ???? ???? pic.twitter.com/U03ZDghFgf— Suresh Pujari (@sureshkpujari) April 25, 2021
Janta Ka Reporter founder Rifat Jawaid wrote on Facebook, “Absolutely gutted to learn that journalist Amjad Badshah, who contributed to Janta Ka Reporter from Odisha, is no more. Was always buzzing with ideas. Still can’t believe that he has fallen victim to #covid19. We spoke for more than half an hour earlier this month to discuss his ideas on boosting our Odisha coverage. He has two children, aged 4 and 2-month-old. May Allah grant him jannat and give strength to his family. Ameen. Amjad’s mother continues to be in hospital. She doesn’t know about her son’s death. My heart goes out to Sajjad Badshah, Amjad’s cousin, for losing his Mom to Covid. May Allah also grant her the highest place in Jannat. Ameen. Please stay strong Sajjad.
P.S. This photo was taken by Amjad when he visited our office in the past.”
Amjad, who was also engaged in teaching journalism, is survived by his wife, two-month-old son and four-year-old daughter.