Freedom fighter Laxmi Panda dies

New Delhi, Oct 6 (UNI) Laxmi Panda, a member of Subhash Chandra Bose's Indian National Army from Orissa, died today at AIIMS where she was admitted following a brain stroke.

She was 84.

It was only recently after years of struggle, she had been granted the freedom fighter pension and other benefits. President Pratibha Patil had intervened in the matter and helped her get the pension from the Government.

The President has also condoled her death. A wreath will be placed on her body, on behalf of the President, a President's spokeperson said.

Panda had joined INA in the Rani Jhansi regiment when she was just 14 years old.

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