"My father was a Communist," Chandan said on Monday. "He did not believe in rituals. But I am a believer. I observed the last rites after my mother passed away. And I have started observing the rituals after my dad's demise in my own way."

He will, however, be unable to perform the last rites as Basu had donated his body. "It was his decision, so that he could serve the society even in death. We respect his decision," he said.

After Basu's death, "Chandan returned home directly," said his wife Rakhi. "He did not go to Peace Haven. He just confined himself to a room and we did not speak to him."

"He (Basu) visited our home for the last time around nine months ago. Our son, Subhajit, went to Indira Bhavan every day," Rakhi said.