India, Nov. 2 -- Eminent neurosurgeon and Padma Shri awardee Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Mahapatra passed away while undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. He was 74.Dr. Mahapatra had been undergoing treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi, since October 2, 2026.

He was initially admitted to SUM Hospital in Bhubaneswar after complaining of severe head pain. As his condition deteriorated, a specialist medical team accompanied him to New Delhi for further treatment.

He was reportedly hospitalised due to severe neurological pain and an underlying brain ailment.

Dr. Mahapatra was widely known for leading the historic 2017 surgery to separate Odisha's craniopagus conjoined twins, Jaga and Balia, at AIIMS,...