Bodies of two heroes return home, tributes paid

The bodies of two war heroes who were killed in action returned home to Karnataka on Wednesday.

The last remains of Border Security Force (BSF) personnel Vijayananda Nayaka, who was killed in a bomb attack by Naxals in Chhattisgarh, returned to Karwar, in Uttara Kannada district, on Wednesday. People of Karwar paid rich tributes to the slain warrior.

Deputy Commissioner S S Nakul, MLA Roopali Naik paid tribute with floral wreaths. The body of the hero will be taken in a procession from the DC's office to Komarapantha where Vijayananda's house is located.

Belagavi's slain hero

Santosh Gurav (27), a Border Security Force (BSF) personnel who was killed in a blast in Chotiya village in Chhattisgarh was laid to rest with state honours at his native Halaga village in Khanapur taluk in Belagavi district on Wednesday.

After the body of the martyr was brought by air to Dabolim airport in Goa, it was brought to his native village on Tuesday night by ambulance. On the way, people in Khanapur paid their last respects.

The mortal remains of the soldier was kept for public viewing on Wednesday morning at the premises of Government Primary School in the village for the public to pay respects.

Deputy Commissioner S Ziyaullaha, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer R Ramachandran, former MLA Arvind Patil and others paid floral tributes.

Later, after the last rites, the mortal remains of the soldier was taken in a procession to the cremation ground. The soldier was cremated amidst state and military honours. Three rounds were fired as a mark of respect.

People in large numbers bid a tearful adieu to the soldier while the family members of the martyr was literally inconsolable.

Gurav was among two soldiers who died following a landmine blast caused by an improvised explosive device planted by Naxalites.

The martyr is survived by his father Laxman, mother Parvati, wife Rajashri and three sisters.