Nadia, 20 July (H.S.): An Indian Army jawan from Shantipur in West Bengal's Nadia district died while serving in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, officials and family members said. The untimely demise of Kanai Sarkar (45) has cast a pall of gloom over his hometown.

According to the family, Sarkar last spoke to his wife on Friday night. On Saturday morning, around 9:30 a.m., the family was informed of his death. The Army stated that he suddenly fell ill at around 4 a.m. while in his quarters in Jodhpur. He was immediately rushed to a military hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Family members said he had some health issues, but none that appeared serious enough to result in such a sudden death. Shocked by the news, two members of the family travelled to Jodhpur to complete the necessary formalities.

On Monday, his coffin-wrapped body was brought to his residence at Boro Jiyapur in Shantipur, where a large number of local residents gathered to pay their last respects.

Later, the Indian Army accorded him full military honours, including a gun salute, at a local school ground before his final rites.

Kanai Sarkar is survived by his elderly parents, three brothers and their families, his wife, and two daughters. The Army has assured the bereaved family of all possible assistance and said they would receive all benefits and entitlements as per government rules.

Local residents expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the soldier, remembering him as a dedicated serviceman who laid down his life while serving the nation.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey