Cuttack: Veteran freedom fighter Makar Charan Das today passed away at a hospital in Cuttack. He was 99.

The Gandhian was admitted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for age-related illness. He breathed his last at 6.40 am while undergoing treatment.

Das hailed from Kendrapara district. On a call given by Mahatma Gandhi, he joined the freedom movement against the British empire. He was jailed by the British administration for revolt.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condoled death of the eminent freedom fighter. "His contribution as a social reformer with patriotic service is unique," he wrote on Twitter.

Expressing grief over the demise of the veteran freedom fighter, Odisha Co-Operation, Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare and Higher Education Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak offered his deep condolence to the bereaved family of Das.

In a condolence message, the minister described Das as a 'pride' of Kendrapara district.