Freedom fighter Mohan Ranade, who participated in Goa’s liberation movement, passed away early morning today in Pune. He was 90.  During Goa’s liberation movement, Ranade was active in attacking police stations at Betim, Banastarim and other outposts.

He was arrested by Portuguese police in 1955 and was imprisoned at the Fort of Caxias near Lisbon in Portugal. He was kept in solitary confinement for six years.

Ranade was released from prison in January 1969, after the liberation of Goa in 1961, having served 14 years.  Ranade was awarded Padmashri in 2001 and Sangli Bhushan in 2006. He received the Goa Puraskar in 1986 for social work. He authored books on the Goa liberation movement.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has condoled Mohan Ranade’s death. In a tweet, he said that Ranade was a fearless freedom fighter and his sacrifice and struggles for Goa will always be remembered.