Senior journalist Ratan Pani died on Monday night at his residence at Bareipali in Sambalpur district. He was 52 and is survived by his wife and only son. .
He suffered a cardiac arrest and subsequently died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.
A pal of gloom descended in the area following the news of his death.
As per his last desire, the family members donated his whole body to the VIMSAR. The Press Club of Sambalpur organised a condolence meeting for him. Besides mediapersons, farmer leaders and many intellectuals visited his house to pay him last respects.