Bhubaneswar, Nov. 3 -- The demise of Padma Shri awardee Dr Ashok Mahapatra, who played a pivotal role in the successful separation surgery of conjoined twins Jaga and Balia, has left their family devastated.

Remembering the renowned neurosurgeon, Jaga's father, Bhuyan Kanhar, broke down while expressing his grief over the loss. He said Dr Mahapatra gave his son a new lease of life and always kept a close watch on his well-being.

"He (Dr Ashok Mahapatra) was like a God for us who conducted the surgery of my twin sons. The news of his demise has shattered us. It is a huge loss for us," said Jaga's father.

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He further recalled t...