Report by Zaheer Abbas

Guard of Honor was offered to the slain Police Commando Prakash Khateek today in late afternoon at cemetery near Sukhdevi Nagar, Bedla.

Hundreds of people with sobbed eyes gave farewell to the brave policeman who was assassinated in the attack by a group of unknown people while escorting a criminal to Jhalawad district for a court trial.One more policeman including a criminal was killed in the encounter. (see this news)

The area of Sukhdevi Nagar beaome soundless since the news of Prakash’s death reached there. Locals and community members were waiting for the deceased body since last night. The long wait ended when the body was brought from Bhilwara in afternoon.

A huge mob of people gathered to pay homage to Prakash’s body. A large number of policemen including top officers T.L Meena –I.G, Alok Vashisht – S.P, M.L Chauhan – Ad Collector, Tejraj Singh A.D.S.P and many other officers were present there.

The sound of slogans in the glory of Prakash was echoing the whole Sukhdevinagar area. The body was taken to the nearby crematory for cremation & honor.

Three rounds were fired by the Guards of Honor; last rites were performed by Prakash’s elder son.

All the cries of female family members were loud enough to melt anyone’s heart. Shattered father Omkar Lal khateek, along with his 3 sons, were not in good physical condition & were feeling weak from the moment they heard the tear jerking news of his youngest son’s demise. Shocked father Omkar Lal Khateek felt dizzy frequently.

A small argument occurred between the family of the Prakash (in photo) and the administrative officers regarding the credit of martyr to be given to Prakash or not. But everything became clear when Inspector General of Police T.L. Meena intervene and talked with the family members.

He said that “we are feeling same pain as you all are feeling, our jawans are our children and loss of our own child is painful, you know that.”

Prakash died while on duty, he retaliated and took bullet on his chest like a brave soldier. He is a martyr, said T.L. Meena.

Regarding the compensation to be given to prakash’s family, he said that we have already sent a proposal to home ministry; we are sure that they will take requiring actions for the betterment of policeman’s family, still we ensure of Rs. 20 lakhs compensation to his family.

Prakash’s family is survived with 2 children aged 3 and 6 years with a widow wife.

Photos by Sayeed Ahmed