Bhubaneswar: Noted industrialist and founder of Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA) Bansidhar Panda passed away at his residence here today. He was 87.

Born on November 26, 1932, Panda, a renowned research scientist, returned from the United States and chose Therubali, a remote outpost in the erstwhile undivided Koraput district, to embark upon his dream and IMFA came into being in 1961.

Dr. Panda had received Degrees from Banaras Hindu University, Harvard University and Michigan Technological University.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has condoled the demise of Panda and conveyed his deep sympathy to the bereaved family.