Bhubaneswar, April 8: Cuttack District Collector Bhabani Shankar Chaini, leading the fight against COVID-19 from the front, set a new benchmark of exemplary public service, as he decided not to take leave even after the death of his 98-year-old father.

The Cuttack Collectors father Damodar Chaini (98), also a former administrator died on Tuesday while his son was busy in making arrangements to fight the coronavirus pandemic in the millennium city and the rest of the district. PM Narendra Modi Hints at Extending Coronavirus Lockdown; 'Not Possible to Lift Lockdown on April 14,' Prime Minister Says at All-Party Meet.

State government COVID-19 spokesman Subroto Bagchi hailed the Cuttack Collector and said that Chaini preferred public service even during the family tragedy.

The Cuttack District Collector has set a high benchmark of probity during the crisis period in the wake of coronavirus outbreak in the state, Bagchi said.

Quoting Chaini, Bagchi said: "My father used to say that incomplete work is no work." His father's words were the driving force for Chaini to keep himself engaged in work to complete the task, the COVID-19 spokesman said. Catch Live Updates of Coronavirus Here.

"Deepest condolences to @CuttackDM who lost his father this morning. In an act of exemplary public service, Sri Bhabani Chayani continues to work without a single day leave during huge personal tragedy. #Odisha salutes his inspirational leadership @narendramodi#OdishaFightsCorona, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said in his twitter post.