State funeral for Shivappa

A state funeral was given for the departed soldier. Police fired three rounds in the air and reversed the arms as a mark of respect. Deputy Commissioner Naveen Raj Singh, on behalf of the State government, placed a wreath and paid his last respects. Last rites were delayed for more than two hours due to ‘rahu kala.’ People from neighbouring villages had gathered in a large number to pay their last respect to Shivappa. Around 1:15 pm, Shivappa’s son, Chetan lit the pyre.

When the CRPF van carrying the body of Shivappa arrived at the premises of district administration this morning, Shivappa’s wife Netravathi broke down. Later, the body was taken out in a procession in the town. Hundreds of people and elected representatives paid their last respects.

Eerie silence prevailed in the village and most of the villagers were still in shock of Shivappa’s tragic death in Dantewada.