Kataka: Veteran freedom fighter and president of the State Freedom Fighters' Association, Bimbadhar Muduli, passed away while undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Kataka. He was 102.

A native of Kendrapada district, Muduli was widely respected for his contribution to India's freedom struggle. Despite his old age, he remained actively associated with the freedom fighters' community and was recently elected as the president of the association.

His demise has cast a pall of gloom across Odisha, particularly in his native region. Tributes have poured in from various quarters, with people remembering his lifelong dedication to the nation and praying for the eternal peace of his soul. Condolences have also been extended to his bereaved family.

Kataka Municipal Corporation Mayor Subhash Singh, BJP leader Prabhat Biswal, and several other dignitaries visited SCB Medical College and Hospital to pay their last respects to the departed freedom fighter.