Life and career
Lambodar Prasad Dash was born on January 16, 1971, in Baiganba, Jajpur district, Odisha. He completed his schooling from a government school in his village and then went on to study political science at the Samanta Chandra Sekhar College, Puri. He started his journalism career in 2003, working for several local Odia newspapers. In 2007, he joined *Debabarta,* a prominent Odia monthly magazine, and became the editor of its Jajpur edition in 2018.
Dash was known for his investigative journalism, often exposing corruption and other irregularities in the Jajpur district. He had recently been working on a series of stories about the alleged corrupt activities of a local politician, which may have led to his murder.
Death
On the night of May 13, 2022, Dash was driving back to his home in Katikala village, Jajpur district, when his motorcycle was hit by a truck from behind. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died due to severe head injuries. The post-mortem report revealed that Dash had sustained multiple injuries to his head and neck, suggesting a deliberate attack rather than an accident.
The police initially registered the case as a road accident, but Dash's family and journalist organisations expressed scepticism about this theory, citing the nature of his injuries and his ongoing investigative work. The state government later ordered a crime branch investigation into the case.
Protest and demand for justice
Dash's death sparked outrage and protests from journalist organisations across India. The Odisha Union of Journalists (OUJ) and other media bodies called for a statewide shutdown on May 14, demanding a fair and impartial investigation into Dash's murder. Journalists and activists also held demonstrations in Bhubaneswar and other cities, demanding justice for Dash and action against those responsible for his killing.
The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) took up the matter with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), seeking its intervention to ensure a thorough probe into the case. The NHRC issued a notice to the Odisha government, seeking a detailed report on the incident.
Legacy
Lambodar Prasad Dash's death has highlighted the challenges faced by journalists in India, particularly those who fearlessly expose corruption and injustice. His colleagues remember him as a dedicated and courageous journalist who was committed to truth and justice. His death has left a void in investigative journalism in Odisha, and his legacy continues to inspire other journalists to pursue the truth without fear.