Indo-Pak Wars' Veteran, 'Tank Man' Retired Major General BK Mahapatra Passes Away At 87

Bhubaneswar: Major General (retired) Basant Kumar Mahapatra, who had participated in 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars, died at a hospital here on Monday. He was 87.

Mahapatra was commissioned into armoured corps (Tanks) of the Indian Army as a Combat Officer and was fondly known as 'Tank Man'.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan condoled the death of the army veteran.

"Odisha mourns the sad demise of its illustrious son, Major General (Retd) Basant Kumar Mahapatra. The war veteran participated in many major battles the country has fought. He will always be remembered for his bravery, contribution to education & philanthropic activities. #RIP," Patnaik said on Twitter.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan condoled death of Mahapatra in his Tweet.

Mahapatra's body was taken to his residence at Chandinichowk in Cuttack, the family sources said.

Mohapatra was conferred with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM).

After the retirement from the service, he was associated with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Centre for Communication and Management (BCCM) here, four DAV Public Schools in Cuttack and Tangi.

(With Inputs From Nitesh Kumar)