Mumbai: Veteran television journalist Anjan Bandyopadhyay died on Sunday night after battling with Covid-19 infection for over a month. He was 56.
He was the editor of Bengali news channel Zee 24 Ghanta and one of West Bengal's leading news anchors. The news of his sudden demise has left the new industry shocked, with tributes pouring in from various quarters.
Bandyopadhyay was admitted to the hospital on 14 April after testing positive for Covid-19. He was discharged after showing signs of recovery, but developed Covid-related complications. He suffered a heart attack on Sunday.
In a career that spans over 33 years, Bandyopadhyay had worked in ETV Bangla, 24 Ghanta, and then with Anandabazar Patrika's digital unit before moving to TV9 Bangla as the channel's first editor. The senior journalist returned to Zee 24 Ghanta as its editor just a few days before this year's legislative assembly elections in West Bengal.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee condoled his demise remembering him as one of the best television anchors in West Bengal.
"Saddened at the passing away of Anjan Bandyopadhyay. He was a bright, young, and dynamic journalist. I have no words to express my condolences to his family and his colleagues in the fraternity. His Ma, wife Aditi, daughter Titli, his elder brother Alapan Bandyopadhyay, who is the Chief Secretary of the State," added Banerjee.
Stunned and saddened at untimely demise of Anjan Bandyopadhyay editor @Zee24Ghanta @ZeeNews.
Cruel hand of destiny has snatched at young age a man full of simplicity.
He leaves a void in journalism not easy to fill. Pray Almighty to bestow eternal peace on departed soul.
— Governor West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) May 16, 2021
My colleague Anjan Bandopadhyay,Editor @Zee24Ghanta lost his battle to COVID today. He got infected while covering West Bengal election.I met him last on 19th Feb when we interviewed Home Minsiter @AmitShah in Kolkata. Never thought it will be my last picture with him.
ॐ शांति pic.twitter.com/YTaFaDpGNl— Sudhir Chaudhary (@sudhirchaudhary) May 16, 2021
Another terrible news!
Our Editor (Zee 24 Ghanta) Anjan Bandyopadhyay is no more. Simply can’t believe this.
May you soul Rest In Peace Anjanda. pic.twitter.com/kOr276FEQQ
— Piyali Mitra (@Plchakraborty) May 16, 2021