The body of NSG commando Lt Col Niranjan, who was killed in the attack on Sunday, was brought to Palakkad on Monday afternoon from Bengaluru.
His body was accompanied by family members and senior IAF and NSG officials, and was taken to his ancestral village Elambulassery by road from Palakkad for last rites. People assembled on both sides of the road to catch a last glimpse of the martyr. It took almost two hours to cover the 20km distance from the helipad to his house.
The cremation will take place on Tuesday afternoon. The body will be placed at a school nearby for the public to pay their respect. Chief minister Oommen Chandy will reach the martyr’s house on Monday night.
Before being taken to his village, Niranjan’s body was brought to Bengaluru early on Monday, where it was kept at the BEL grounds. At least 8,000 people turned up to pay homage. Several schools and colleges in north Bengaluru, where Niranjan grew up, declared a holiday. His remains were taken in a grand procession to the Jalahalli Air Force base, from where it was sent to Palakkad. Speaking to HT, Niranjan’s younger brother EK Shashank, a software engineer, said, “The last time I spoke to him was on New Year’s eve. He called to wish me at midnight and then spoke to the entire family. It was such a happy moment. Now this...”
