Vice President Mourns the Loss of Veteran Journalist Umesh Upadhyay

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their deep condolences following the tragic demise of veteran journalist Umesh Upadhyay. Upadhyay succumbed to severe injuries after a fall from a significant height. A post-mortem and further investigations are underway.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed his condolences on Monday following the demise of veteran journalist and author Umesh Upadhyay. Dhankhar highlighted the lasting value of Upadhyay's contributions to India's media industry.

Taking to his social media handle on X, Vice President Dhankhar posted, 'Deeply pained by the sudden demise of veteran journalist and author, Shri Umesh Upadhyaya ji. His significant contributions to diverse facets of India's media industry will always be valued.'

'I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,' added VP Dhankhar. Umesh Upadhyay, aged 65, tragically passed away on Sunday morning after falling from a considerable height at an under-construction building in Vasant Kunj, National Capital.

The incident took place around 10:30 am while Upadhyay was inspecting renovation work at his residence in the C-8 block of Vasant Kunj, according to Delhi Police. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled Upadhyay's demise in a statement made on his social media platform X.

'I am deeply saddened by the demise of senior journalist and writer Umesh Upadhyay ji, who made valuable contributions in the field of digital media and television. His demise is an irreparable loss for the world of journalism. I express my condolences to his family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!' posted PM Modi.

According to Delhi Police, Upadhyay accidentally fell from the fourth floor to the second floor, sustaining severe head injuries among other critical wounds. He was immediately rushed to the Indian Spinal Centre by 11 am, but succumbed to his injuries despite medical efforts. The police were informed about his hospital admission at 2:48 PM and have initiated a probe into the incident. Proceedings under Section 194 BNSS and a post-mortem examination are currently underway.

The last rites of Umesh Upadhyay will be performed on September 2 at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi. Upadhyay had recently authored a book titled 'Western Media Narratives on India: From Gandhi to Modi'.

The Press Club of India also expressed its condolences, stating, 'We are shocked and saddened at the untimely demise of veteran journalist, Umesh Upadhyay. May the almighty give his family and friends enough strength to bear the irreparable loss. He will be missed by his friends in the media fraternity.'

Upadhyay was a distinguished alumnus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the University of Delhi. He held a Masters and MPhil from the School of International Studies at JNU and was a member of the Academic Council of Delhi University.

(With inputs from agencies.)