She had been ill for the past few days and was hospitalised at Mallya Hospital. Chandrakala, who is originally from Kuppahalli taluk, is survived by her husband Shivanna and son Gautham. As a journalist, she had written various stories dealing with untouchability and dowry harassment. She had also worked as a religious guide at the Nandi Bhoganandieshwara temple for 10 years.

The last rites were performed at the family farm near Kothanur on Sunday evening. Her father K M Muniyappa, MLA K P Bacchegowda, Komul director K V Nagaraj, ZP member G R Narayana Swamy, TP member K R Reddy, JD(S) taluk unit President K T Narayana Swamy and many others were present.