Kumar Bahukhandi
Deputy Director of News at Akashvani Raipur and a 1993-batch Indian Information Service officer, whose sudden death following a heart attack has saddened Chhattisgarh’s media and broadcasting fraternity( File Photo)
Senior Indian Information Service officer suffered a cardiac emergency on Saturday; his sudden demise leaves Chhattisgarh’s public broadcasting community grieving
Key Highlights
- Vikalp Ranjan Shukla, Deputy Director of News at Akashvani Raipur, died following a heart attack on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
- He initially complained of back pain and was taken for medical treatment before being referred to Narayana Hospital in Raipur.
- Shukla belonged to the 1993 batch of the Indian Information Service and spent approximately 25 years of his career in Raipur.
- Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described his passing as an irreparable loss to Chhattisgarh’s media fraternity.
- BJP MP Santosh Pandey and the party’s state media department also paid tributes.
- He is survived by his wife and two unmarried daughters.
Sudden Death Shocks Chhattisgarh’s Media Fraternity
Raipur: The sudden demise of Vikalp Ranjan Shukla, Deputy Director of News at Akashvani Raipur and a senior Indian Information Service officer, has cast a pall of grief over Chhattisgarh’s journalism and public broadcasting community. Shukla died on Saturday, October 10, 2026, following a heart attack despite efforts by doctors to save him. His passing has prompted condolences from Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, political representatives, fellow broadcasters and members of the media fraternity.
Shukla was associated with the Regional News Unit of Akashvani Raipur, where he handled important responsibilities relating to news editing, broadcasting and regional current affairs.
Known for his professional commitment and approachable personality, he had developed close working relationships with journalists, government officials and colleagues across the state’s media organisations.
What Happened Before His Death?
According to Akashvani’s official account, Shukla complained of back pain during the afternoon.
He was immediately taken to a local hospital, where doctors advised urgent cardiac treatment after examining his condition.
He was subsequently referred to Narayana Hospital in Raipur for further medical attention.
Despite the doctors’ efforts, he could not be saved.
Akashvani confirmed that his death followed a severe heart attack.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Expresses Grief
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed deep sorrow over Shukla’s unexpected demise.
In his condolence message shared on X, Sai remembered the senior officer’s long service, dedication to duty and straightforward personality.
The Chief Minister described his death as an irreparable loss to Chhattisgarh’s media community.
“The news of the sudden demise of Shri Vikalp Shukla, Deputy Director of Akashvani Raipur and a senior officer of the Indian Information Service, is deeply saddening,” the Chief Minister said in a translated excerpt of his condolence message.
Sai prayed for peace for the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family, concluding his tribute with Om Shanti.
MP Santosh Pandey and BJP Media Department Pay Tributes
BJP MP and chief state spokesperson Santosh Pandey also expressed profound grief over Shukla’s death.
Pandey remembered him as a dedicated officer, an accomplished journalist and a person of simple and friendly disposition.
He said Shukla had established a distinctive reputation for communicating accurate and impartial information to the public through Akashvani.
Describing the death as a serious loss to journalism, literature and broadcasting in Chhattisgarh, Pandey paid tribute to the officer’s professional contributions.
The BJP’s Chhattisgarh media department also mourned his demise, remembering him as an experienced guide and a sensitive journalist whose contributions to information and mass communication would be respected.
Three Decades of Service in Information and Broadcasting
A 1993-batch Indian Information Service officer, Shukla began his professional career at the Press Information Office in Delhi.
Over the years, he served in several media organisations, including Doordarshan and Akashvani, and also worked in Bhopal.
He spent approximately the last 25 years of his career in Raipur, becoming a familiar and respected figure in Chhattisgarh’s public broadcasting and official communication network.
His responsibilities included regional news operations, editorial supervision and the dissemination of information through public broadcasting platforms.
Colleagues remembered him for his enthusiasm, sound judgement, cooperative attitude and ability to handle professional responsibilities efficiently.
Akashvani Family Mourns a Respected Colleague
The Akashvani family expressed profound condolences to Shukla’s bereaved family.
The broadcaster acknowledged his substantial contribution to news operations and reporting, describing him as an important figure in Chhattisgarh’s public broadcasting system.
His death represents the loss of an experienced officer whose professional career was closely associated with the development of regional news broadcasting in the state.
Wife and Two Daughters Survive Him
Shukla is survived by his wife and two unmarried daughters, according to Akashvani’s official report.
His sudden death has left his family, friends and colleagues grieving.
Last Rites Expected on Sunday
The funeral is reported to be scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026. However, the precise time, cremation ground and final arrangements could not be independently confirmed from the available official information.
These details should be added once the family or Akashvani issues confirmation.
A Lasting Contribution to Chhattisgarh’s Broadcasting Community
Shukla’s professional life reflected a sustained commitment to public communication and regional journalism.
His years in Raipur allowed him to work closely with journalists, administrators and broadcasting professionals, contributing to the flow of public information across Chhattisgarh.
The tributes from Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, MP Santosh Pandey, the BJP media department and Akashvani underline the respect he commanded across professional and public life.
His passing leaves Chhattisgarh’s broadcasting fraternity mourning an experienced colleague whose dedication, professionalism and cordial personality will be remembered.
