Jharkhand higher education minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu dies of cardiac arrest

Jharkhand's Higher and Technical Education Minister, Sudivya Kumar Sonu, passed away due to cardiac arrest, according to reports from Giridih, where he succumbed during treatment at a private hospital early on Sunday. The 56-year-old Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader, a two-term Giridih MLA, had experienced discomfort at his residence prior to being rushed to the hospital. An official confirmed that "he was taken to a private hospital in Giridih but could not survive. Official announcement would be made soon."

JMM leader and state transport minister Deepak Birua expressed his deep sorrow, stating in a social media post, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of my colleague and fellow minister in the Jharkhand government, Sudivya Sonu ji. His health suddenly deteriorated last night, and he passed away while undergoing treatment at the hospital. May God grant peace to his soul and give his family the strength to bear this grief. This is a huge loss for the JMM family. A tearful final 'Johar', brother."

Vishal, a seasoned journalist based in Ranchi, led The Hindustan Times' Jharkhand Bureau since November 2017. In his role, he covered state politics, economy, and policy matters in Jharkhand. Prior to his current assignment, Vishal worked in New Delhi, first as an Assistant Editor in August 2015, and previously with various national media houses such as the Financial Chronicle, India Today, Deccan Herald, and The Hindu.

A resident of Palamu district in Jharkhand, Vishal began his two-decade-long career in mainstream media in 2006, gaining experience in print, electronic, and digital media. He is a father of two daughters.