Ex-MLA, freedom fighter Durga Das no more

Freedom fighter and former member of Odisha Legislative Assembly Durga Das passed away at a hospital here today, his family said.
He was 96 and survived by wife, three sons and two daughters.
Das was taken to the ICU at Balasore district Hospital on August 11 due to old age ailments, the family said.
He was elected as MLA on the Indian National Congress ticket from Bhograi assembly constituency from Balasore district in 1957 and continued till 1961.
As a freedom fighter, he was imprisoned for 32 months during the 'Quit India movement' against British Raj.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Petroleum Minister Dhermendra Pradhan expressed grief.

Many eminent people paid their last respect to Das at hospital here.
His body was taken to his native village Taladi in Bhograi Block for last rites.