Digapahandi: Bada khemundi royal scion Mohan Prasad Deo, the fourth son of the erstwhile ruler Raja Ram chandra Deo, died at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar Wednesday.
He was 75. Deo’s death cast a pall of gloom over Digapahandi and Brahmapur, where he was widely known for his simple lifestyle, courteous manner and social service.
He was associated with several social and cultural organisations in Brahamapur and played a prominent role in religious and community activities in Digapahandi.
He also contributed to the establishment of Khemundi College in Digapahandi. His wife had died several years earlier.
Deo’s mortal remains were taken from Bhubaneswar to the Badakhemundi royal residence in Brahamapur and later brought to the Digapahandi Rajbari, where residents and dignitaries paid their last respects.
A large procession accompanied the body to the royal cremation ground near Pun jikayan Square, where the last rites were performed.
His younger son Purushottam Deo lit the funeral pyre in the presence of his elder brother Jajati Keshari Deo and other family members.
Digapahandi MLA Dr Sidhant Mohapatra, Sanakhemundi MLA Ramesh Chandra Jena and several local leaders and social workers expressed condolences to the bereaved family