Central Reserve Police Force constable K. Shankar (37), who was killed in an ambush laid by Maoists at Bhejji in Sukma district of Chattisgarh, was laid to rest with State honours in his native village in Kazhumaram near Thirukovilur at Villupuram, on Sunday evening.
The mortal remains of Shankar was brought to Chennai by a special flight on Sunday noon and was received by Avadi CRPF Commandant Manoharan and Deputy Commandant Selvakumar. The body was taken in a special vehicle to his house at Kazhumaram. The last journey that began at 6.00 p.m. was attended by local residents, relatives and officials from the Tamil Nadu Government and the CRPF.
Shankar along with 11 other CRPF personnel were killed when they were on the way to provide security to a road construction site in the Bhejji forest area. The encounter took place at around 9.15 a.m. Twelve CRPF personnel were killed, while four others sustained serious injuries.
Shankar, the eldest of five siblings, was the sole breadwinner of the family. He joined the CRPF in 2000 and is survived by his wife Ezhilarasi, children Poovizhi (2), eight-month-old baby boy Darshan, parents Kathirvel and Manimuthu and brothers K. Satish and K. Rajavelu.
He last called Ezhilarasi at around 5 a.m on Saturday.“He enquired about his children and asked his wife to take care of them. He promised to call her again in the evening. But it was his last call and senior officials from the CRPF called Ezhilarasi around 3.30 p.m. and broke the tragic news. We are still to come to terms that he is no more,” said M. Ezhumalai, a relative.
A pall of gloom descended on Kazhumaram village near Thirukovilur village after the news of his death spread. The road leading to his house was repaired and waste on the roadsides were cleared for the CRPF vehicle to reach the area. Shankar had last visited his native during Pongal holidays and spent time with his wife and children. His parents, who are working as farm labourers, younger brothers K. Satish and K. Rajavelu, stay with the family in their small house which has a asbestos roof in the village.
Shankar motivated his youngest brother K. Rajavelu, a first-generation graduate in his family to join the Army.
Proud father
“I saw my son only during the Pongal holidays. We never thought he would lay down his life for the country one day. I am proud of my son’s sacrifice,” said Kathirvel, Shankar’s father.
CM announces solatium
Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Sunday condoled the death of CRPF constable and announced a solatium of Rs. 20 lakh to the victim’s family.
