Eminent freedom fighter and a close associate of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Sunil Ray, passed away following a protracted illness at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. He was 85. Ray is survived by three daughters and two sons.
Born in 1928, Ray was drawn to freedom struggle from an early age. Inspired by Bose, he joined the Azad Hind Fauz and had served in various capacities.
He had also been imprisoned several times during the fight for the Independence.
After Independence, he immersed himself in social work. Ray had refused the freedom fighters pension offered by both the Centre and the State Government.
His mortal remains were brought to Cuttack and placed at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Birthplace Museum at Odia Bazaar to enable the public pay their tributes before being taken to his house at Meria Bazaar.
The last rites were conducted at Khan Nagar crematorium in the evening.
Ray had complained of chest pain recently and was first admitted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital before being shifted to Bhubaneswar.