CUTTACK: Eminent criminal lawyer and former MP Brahmananda Panda passed away following a massive heart attack here today.
He was 60 and is survived by his wife and three sons.
Panda had not been keeping well for the last couple of days. This evening, he complained of severe chest pain and was rushed to the SCB Medical College and Hospital, but succumbed on the way.
His death has been mourned by Governor MC Bhandare, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the judiciary and the members of the Bar. Bhandare described Panda as a “brilliant advocate and an able people’s representative.” He was hugely popular because he associated himself with almost all socio-cultural and literary activities.
Naveen Patnaik said that the State had lost not only a brilliant legal mind but also a devoted social worker, organiser and literary activist.
Panda, the top criminal lawyer of the State, was born in Jagannathpur in Jagatsinghpur district. He studied in Ravenshaw Collegiate School here and did his graduation from Ravenshaw College. He studied law at MS Law College and was active in student movements during his time and elected twice as president of Ravenshaw College Union.
He had achieved notable success in his legal practice. He was associated with socio-cultural and literary organisations all along and founded Nilachakra and was its founder president till now.
He was a member of Utkal Sammilani and Utkal Sahitya Samaj. He also was the president of the Criminal Bar Association four times.
Panda was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2004 on a BJD ticket from Jagatsinghpur and is known to be the first MP from Orissa to take oath in Oriya. His conduct in Parliament was appreciated and he was a member of the Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests.
His last rites would be performed tomorrow.
