Veteran freedom fighter Kaka Deshpande passes away

Akola, June 9 (UNI) Veteran freedom fighter and senior journalist A L alias Kaka Deshpande died of old age at his Gadam plot residence here in the wee hours today.

He was 98. He is survived by his wife (89), who was also a freedom fighter, a son and three daughters.

Born on March 7, 1909, Mr Deshpande was the resident of Kavthal village in the bordering Buldhana district.

He was jailed several times during the freedom struggle and was the editor of weekly Nav Samaj, family sources said.

He was the recipient of 'Tamra Patra' during the regime of Prime Minister Late Indira Gandhi.

Mr Deshpande was honoured with Darpan and Late Shantaram Jain awards. He was heading the Akola district freedom fighter gaurav samiti till now, sources said.

His contemporary freedom fighters, journalists and friends rushed to his residence to mourn his death.

He will be cremated this evening, his family said.

UNI XR MJ/GK DKS BST1652