Patnaik Condoles Death of Odisha’s Dinesh Agarwal in Pahalgam Terror Attack

BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday expressed his deep condolences over the tragic death of Dinesh Agarwal, a man from Odisha’s Balangir district, who was killed in the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

Agarwal, who was residing in Chhattisgarh, was one of the victims of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Patnaik, in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), mourned the loss, saying, “It is painful to hear the news regarding the death of another Odia man from Balangir district, Dinesh Agarwal, in the terror attack in Pahalgam. I pray for the eternal peace of his soul and express my deepest condolences to the family members as they face this difficult time.”

The incident has shaken the nation, as Agarwal’s death adds to the toll of victims caught in the violence. Patnaik’s tribute reflects the grief felt across the state, where Agarwal’s connection to Odisha remains strong despite his relocation.

The terror attack in Pahalgam has drawn widespread condemnation, with political leaders, citizens, and security forces condemning the violence and offering support to the families of the victims. Patnaik’s statement also underscores the impact of such attacks on local communities, particularly for those with ties to Odisha, where Agarwal’s roots remain a part of the collective memory.

As investigations continue into the attack, which targeted both civilians and security personnel, the state government has pledged to support the families of the victims and ensure justice. Patnaik has also reiterated calls for stronger measures to address the ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir.