D Sudhakar cremated with full state honours

Challakere (Chitradurga district): The mortal remains of Planning and Statistics Minister D Sudhakar were consigned to flames with full government honours in Challakere on Monday. 

Sudhakar (66) had undergone a knee surgery, but slipped into a coma after developing a lung infection. He was shifted from Manipal Hospital to KIMS Hospital in Electronic City, at Bengaluru, and was declared dead at 3.15 am on Sunday.

The body was shifted from his residence to D Sudhakar Stadium at 10 AM and public were allowed pay their homage till 4 pm.

Later, the mortal remains were taken to Jain Muktidhama in a procession. Thousands of people paid their tributes to the departed leader en route. Several Jain seers were also present. 

The family members performed rituals as per Jain customs. The police fired three rounds in the air as a mark of respect. Sudhakar’s son, Suhas, lit the funeral pyre. 

AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala described Sudhakar as an asset for the state.  Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and most of the Cabinet members were present.