SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Dec 16: National shooting qualifier of Dhanbad, Konika Layak (25), was found hanging in her room in Howrah (Kolkata) based Mukti Neer Ladies hostel on Wednesday, according to her family members in Dhanbad.
Earlier this year, Konika had received an expensive shooting rifle from Bollywood actor Sonu Sood after she sought his help via Twitter.
The report reaching Dhanbad stated that having seen her room locked from inside for a long time (till 11 a.m.), the hostel operator informed the Bali police station. When police broke the door, her body was found hanging from the ceiling.
Konika had participated in the Bhopal National Shooting Championship in 2019 and qualified for the main draw for the first time. She had been in the shooting field since 2014 and won several medals in the 10 metres rifle event in state championships.
Konika, daughter of Dhansar (Dhanbad) based resident Partho Layak, had been getting training at PN Ghosh Street-based Jaydev Karmakar Shooting Academy for the last six months. After getting information, her father Partho and mother Veena Layak left for Kolkata on Wednesday evening.
The hostel operator had informed her father that she had fallen sick but when they reached Bali (Howrah), they saw her body.
“She was a promising state shooter and had potential to win medals for the country in international tournaments,” said Rajendra Singh Birdi, secretary of Dhanbad district shooting association.
According to Birdi, the 10 metres rifle event was Konika’s favourite event of Konika but having seen her potential, the shooting association had been encouraging her to concentrate on the 50 metres event as well.
“Her death has caused major loss to Jharkhand especially Dhanbad as she used to impart training of whatever she learnt at Shooting Academy to the budding talents of the district every Sunday during her Dhanbad stay on our request,” said Birdi.
Dhanbad District Olympic Association’s General Secretary Ranjit Keshri while expressing shock over death said that the district, as well as the state, has lost a sports jewel. He also expressed his condolences towards her family.
