Senior journalist Rohit Sardana died of a heart attack on Friday morning, a week after he tested positive for COVID-19.
Employed with the Hindi news channel Aaj Tak, the 42-year-old hosted the popular debate show ‘Dangal’. He had tested positive for the deadly virus on April 24.
‘The untimely loss of our dear colleague and friend Rohit Sardana has left us in shock. No words can explain the irreparable loss and void that he leaves behind. Let us join in silence to give strength to the family,” Aaj Tak’s sister English news channel India Today said in a statement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sardana was a kind hearted soul, full of energy and passionate about India’s progress. “His untimely demise has left a huge void in the media world. Condolences to his family, friends and admirers. Om Shanti,” Mr Modi said in a Twitter post.
Expressing his deep condolences, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he was pained to learn about the journalist’s demise. “In him, the nation has lost a brave journalist who always stood up for unbiased and fair reporting. May God give his family the strength to bear this tragic loss. My deepest condolences to his family and followers,” Mr Shah tweeted.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was shocked at the unfortunate news. He said Sardana established his great identity in the Hindi media world in a very short time. “He was a very talented and effective journalist. His death has caused great damage to the media world. My deepest condolences to his family. Om Shanti,” the Defence Minister said.
According to India Today, the star anchor of Aaj Tak, Rohit, hailed from Kurukshetra in Haryana. He was a recipient of the NT Award and ENBA Award for the best anchor as well as the prestigious Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award for Hindi journalism.
Prior to Aaj Tak, Sardana was with the Zee News channel.
