On death anniversary too, statue of Bhajan Samrat Bhikari Bal lies in neglect

Cuttack: A statue of Bhajan Samrat Bhikari Bal wallows in neglect near an isolated storeroom here even as the legendary singer’s 13th death anniversary is falling on November 2. However, the family members of Bal decried the apathetic attitude of the local administration.

“The statue of my father was removed to facilitate the construction of Cuttack Netaji Bus Terminal (CNBT) in Khannagar locality, which has not been re-established thereafter. It has been left in the open-air and should better be put in a prominent place in the City,” Bhajan Samrat’s elder son Ashok Bal said.

Worth mentioning, Bhikari Bal was born in Sobala village under Gangapada panchayat of Kendrapara district. His parents, Ramachandra Bal and Gellharani Debi, died when he was very young.

The noted singer was bedridden for about a year due to old age-related complications. He had been admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. He died at around 11.20 pm.

Bal was consigned to flames at Swargadwar in Puri. A guard of honour was accorded at the crematorium and Shri Jagannath Temple Administration presented a Khandua Pata to cover his body.