The balcony where the body of Dr. Brahmananda Panda was found. (Below) The vacant reception counter of the nursing home. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, July 29: Dr Bibekananda Panda, the 30-year-old son of slain surgeon Dr Brahmananda Panda, will continue his father’s mission and run the 25-bed nursing home. “If needed, I will give up my studies and run the nursing home established by my father,” said Bibekananda, who is pursing post-graduation in surgery in Pondicherry.

A second-year student of Jawaharlal Institute of PG Medical Education and Research, Bibekananda arrived in the city last night after hearing about his father’s murder. Three of his uncles too reached the nursing home in the wee hours of Thursday.

“I cannot believe that he has been murdered so mercilessly,” said Bibekananda.

“This is a barbaric act. How could someone attack him with such brutality? Even criminals have some sympathy. My father was about to have dinner when he was attacked,” he added in a choked voice.

“When I heard the news over phone, I was shocked. I had spoken to my father last Saturday regarding a surgery. In fact, my wife, who lives with me in Pondicherry, had spoken to him a few hours before he was murdered. He was in a cheerful mood. My father was like a friend and guide for me. I don’t think he had personal or professional rivalry with anyone,” Bibekananda said.

After the post-mortem at the Capital hospital here, the police handed over Bibekananda his father’s body. The last rites will be performed tomorrow in Puri. Bibekananda’s sister, who resides in Florida, is expected to arrive in the city tomorrow morning.

“All my father’s colleagues praise his simplicity. Staff members at the nursing home have high regard for him. They are also very cordial towards me,” Bibekananda said.

“Sometimes, I used complain to him about his generosity towards the employees in terms of granting leave etc. Several times I have cautioned him not be so lenient towards the staff,” he said.

Dr. Brahmananda Panda’s elder brother Manindra Panda, a retired central government employee, reached here last night. Before leaving for his native village at Kendrapara he said: “We cannot jump into any conclusion before the police investigation is over.”

“Brahmananda was very polite and humble. Even people living at the nearby slums used to respect him like their elder brother,” he said.

The nursing home, which was almost packed till yesterday, wore a deserted look today as indoor patients were relieved. Two police guards were posted at the murder site. Family sources said the nursing home could be closed down for a few days till the time Bibekananda took charge.