Pulwama Attack: Body of martyred Odia jawan recovered, to be flown tomorrow

Bhubaneswar: After 24 hours of fierce gun battle between security forces and terrorists, the body of martyred Odia jawan Pradeep Panda was recovered from CRPF training centre in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.

Earlier, the body of Pradeep could not be rescued from the spot due to continuous exchange of fire between the forces and the militants, official sources said.

CRPF Commanding Officer informed that the body of Pradeep would be flown back to Odisha tomorrow due to non-availability of aircraft. Moreover, his autopsy is pending.

Five jawans including Pradeep were earlier killed in a brazen terrorist attack in Lathpora area in the wee hours yesterday.

Also Read: Odia jawan among 5 CRPF men killed in Pulwama attack

Pradeep of Liploi village in Rajgangpur of Sundergarh district was working with the 132 battalion of CRPF and had joined the paramilitary force in 2006.

According to reports, Pradeep was shot dead by militants, who were hiding inside the CRPF camp.

A pall of gloom has descended upon Liploi village after the family received the news of the death of the Odia jawan last night.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had also expressed grief on the death of five CRPF jawans including Pradeep Panda from Odisha yesterday.

BJD MP Baijayant Panda also offered condolences to the families of CRPF jawans killed in Pulwama.

“Deepest condolences to families of the #CRPF jawans killed in Pulwama. A reminder how these bravehearts make it possible for the rest of us to celebrate on occasions like new year’s eve (which i don't have the heart for anymore today). Om Shanti, may their souls rest in peace,” Panda wrote on Twitter.