Ramakanta Biswas

Bhubaneswar: The family members of an Odia jawan, who reportedly died due to some ailments while serving in the 8 Assam Rifles alleged, disrespect to his dead body.

The body of the jawan, Prabir Nayak, reached Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar today. Prasanna Nayak, the elder brother of the deceased jawan broke down while receiving the body at the airport and alleged that proper respect was not given to the body after it reached Odisha.

“My brother served the country for 20 years. Now his body is lying at the airport. For the last four days, his wife, minor children and 80-year-old mother are dying to see his body. His coffin was covered with the Tricolour, but no guard of honour was accorded to him,” said Prasanna while crying inconsolably.

He further alleged that the concerned authorities did not arrange a special vehicle to transport the body and asked them to take the body in an ambulance. We have to even pay the fare of the ambulance, he added.

On the other hand, commanding officer of 120 Battalion, DD Swain refuted the allegations.

Swain said, “The exact cause of death will be ascertained after the post-mortem report arrives. However, from the circumstances, it is clear that it was not caused by hostile action. We followed all standard operating procedures.”

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