Pahalgam terrorist attack: 9-year-old Odisha boy lights funeral pyre of father shot dead in front of him

The entire village of Ishani under Remuna block in Odisha’s Balasore district broke down as it witnessed a terrified and speechless nine-year-old lit the funeral pyre of his father, Prashant Satpathy, killed in the terror attack in Pahalgam.

While his mother Priya Darshini fainted, the little boy Tanuj Kumar Satpathy showed exceptional inner strength as he lit the pyre of his father, who was shot dead in front of his eyes. With tears in his eyes, the little boy did the final rites of his father in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, and Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi.

The CM and others accompanied Tanuj from his home to the crematorium, around a kilometre away. Amid chants of 'Jai Hind' and 'Prashant Satpathy Amar Rahe', Tanuj lit the funeral pyre of his father.

Many people waiting on the two sides of the road to the crematorium broke down when they saw Tanuj throwing puffed rice while accompanying his father's body as per the ritual. Overwhelmed with the situation, he was dumbfounded, just following the directions of his elders.

Also Read: Pahalgam terror attack: Odisha CM pays tribute to Prashant Satpathy, announces financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh

Hundreds of people from far and wide reached the crematorium to pay their respects. Prashant’s wife, who witnessed her husband’s death is fainting every now and then. On the other hand, his elderly mother has turned mute due to shock, said sources.

Saved Money For Months For Kashmir Holiday

An accounts assistant with the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CIPET) in Balasore, Prashant had gone to Kashmir with his wife and son on LTC. As per reports, Prashant had saved money for months for their Kashmir trip and was really excited for it.

CM Announces Financial Assistance

CM Mohan Majhi met Prashant's family in the morning, and spent around an hour at their house, consoling his wife Priya Darshini and elderly mother.

"I strongly condemn the incident, and the state government solidly stands with the family of Prashant Satpathy at this hour of crisis. The state will provide financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh, a job for his wife and take care of his son's education," he told reporters.

He also announced that the state government would provide a job for Satpathy's wife Priya Darshani Achariya, and take care of the education of their nine-year-old son Tanuj. Majhi made the announcement after paying floral tributes to the mortal remains of Satpathy at his house in Ishani village in the Remuna block of Balasore district.