The last rites of Narendra R (22), who allegedly shot himself with his service rifle at Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir on Sunday, took place in Hegganahalli burial ground on Tuesday afternoon.
Narendra was found dead with gunshot wounds at his army camp. While the army claimed that Narendra killed himself, his parents are not ready to accept it.
Defence spokesperson in Srinagar Rajesh Kalia told DH, “Sepoy Narendra R was on sentry duty and committed suicide on October 8 at 6 am with his service weapon. His mortal remains were flown to his native place for the last rites.”
“We immediately informed the police who carried out the investigation by registering an FIR and conducting a post-mortem. An independent enquiry by the army has been ordered,” he added.
Meanwhile, Narendra’s family and friends are not ready to accept the army’s version. “The army officials didn’t share proper details of his death. We don’t need any compensation. We want to know the truth behind his death and we are asking for justice for Narendra who served the country for two years. He used to call us and his family every day. He was enjoying his work and he was proud of serving the nation,” said Harish, a childhood friend.
Narendra’s family said the army didn’t even provide an ambulance to carry the body home from Kempegowda International Airport. “The body reached the airport at 10 pm on Tuesday. We arranged for a private ambulance. Only one army official was present to hand over the body,” he added.
Mayor pays last respects
Mayor R Sampath Raj and his deputy Padmavathi N visited Narendra’s house to pay their respects.
The mayor said, “A young soldier’s demise is a huge loss to the nation. I have spoken to the chief minister for providing financial aid to the family. I request the Central government to order a further probe into the death.”
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