Body of Siachen victim from Kerala brought home

Thiruvananthapuram: The body of soldier from Kerala Lance Naik Sudheesh B, who along with few others had died in an avalanche, was brought here late Monday night by a special flight.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson and senior Defence officials were among those who paid their respects to the departed soldier at the airport by placing wreaths.

Sudheesh's brother Lance Naik Suresh, posted in Kargil, was also at the airport.

After being kept at the Pangode Military Hospital here overnight, the mortal remains of Sudheesh will be taken to his native village Munroethuruthu in neighbouring Kollam tomorrow.

After public homage, the funeral was expected to be held around noon in the village.

29-year-old Sudheesh, is survived by his parents -- Brahmaputhran and Pushpavalli, wife Shalumol and a four-month-old daughter.

The state government had announced Rs 25 lakh solatium to the family of the soldier and had also offered government employment to his wife.