Kalpetta: Keralite V V Vasanthakumar was martyred in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. As the state paid tribute to the brave soul, his family said they were proud of Vasanthakumar’s martyrdom.
Vasanthakumar was killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) bus in Pulwama district on Thursday. The attack which targeted the vehicles in the centre of the convoy claimed at least 37 lives.
Son of Vasudevan and Santha from Vaithiri near Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, Vasanthakumar is survived by wife Sheena and two children. He was to retire from service in two years.
His half-brother Sajeevan said the family was proud of Vasanthakumar’s martyrdom. He received the news around 5pm on Thursday from his brother-in-law.
Some friends in Delhi had reported about the death and Vasanthakumar's picture was circulated on social media platforms. An official confirmation came only later in the day, Sajeevan said.
It's been only a week since Vasanthakumar reported back to duty. He had returned to Srinagar office from his house in Lakkidi, Wayanad, on February 9.
He came to Kerala on leave after being transferred to another battalion. It is still unclear when his mortal remains will reach Kerala. A state funeral will be held for the martyr.
The soldier, who joined the CRPF in 2001, belonged to the 82nd Battalion and was recently promoted.
The attack happened on Jammu-Srinagar Highway in Avanthipura, Pulwama district in South Kashmir. The terrorists targeted a convoy of 2,547 soldiers travelling in 78 vehicles. The CRPF Jawans, including those back from leave, were about to be deployed in different areas in the state.
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