Mrunal Manmay Dash

Deceased actor Pintu Nanda’s brother, Abhiram Nanda on Friday demanded Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to resign for not being able to save his brother.

He alleged, the government did not do anything while Pintu Nanda urged for help in treatment.

Speaking to reporters Abhiram said, “At a time when the State government is blowing its trumpet on the 5T policy and spending crores of Rupees on artistes from outside the state to promote sports, an ailing artiste from Odisha could not be saved.”

“Neither the government came forward nor took steps to treat Pintu Nanda. It is a shame. The Chief Minister should have known this, if not, then he should resign from his position. He is not eligible to sit on the chair,” he said.

Culture Minister, Ashwini Patra said, “Death of Pintu Nanda is an irreparable loss to Odisha. It is impossible for us to find another artiste like him. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.”

“As far as the government’s contribution is concerned. We will see what can be done,” he added.

Earlier on Wednesday night. Pintu, who was suffering from liver cirrhosis, finally gave in after a 17-day-long struggle for life. Initially, he was admitted to a Bhubaneswar-based private hospital. On February 7, he was flown to New Delhi and was admitted to the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS). A family member was supposed to donate liver to him. But that couldn’t materialise due to blood group mismatch among other reasons.

Then he was shifted to Hyderabad’s Yashoda Hospital where he breathed his last awaiting a donor.

(Reported By Pradeep Mohanty, OTV)

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