Former Advocate General Gangadhar Rath dead

Cuttack, Mar 15 (UNI) Former Advocate General of Orissa and leading advocate of Orissa High Court Gangadhar Rath died in the SCB Medical College and Hospital here today.

He was 86 and is survived by his doctor wife and two sons.

His mortal body was consigned to flames at the Khannagar crematorium.

His eledest son Jayant Rath lit the pyre.

Mr Rath was admitted to the SCB medical college and hospital 15 days back after he complained of respiratory problem.

Orissa High Court Chief Justice A K Ganguly, Advocate General B K Mohanty, Higher Education Minister Samir Dey, Jagatsingh MP Brahmananda Panda among others visited Mr Rath's residence and paid their last tribute.

Mr Rath, an eminent author himself, had instituted Sahitya Bharati Samman, an annual award to honour the budding writers.

In a condolence message, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed shock and grief and sympathised with the bereaved family.

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