Daijiworld Media Network - Belagavi (SP)
Belagavi, Oct 22: A soldier from Gokak town in the district, Umesh Mahaninga Helavar (25), who worked for Central Reserve Police Force, made sure that he saved the lives of 24 people, although he put his own life to immense risk and lost it in the bargain during a grenade explosion.
The grenade was planted by naxal activists.
Umesh belonged to a community of nomads from Gokak. In this incident, which happened at Imphal in Manipur, another soldier, Ramaranjan from Tamil Nadu, suffered serious injuries.
Umesh was working for the 143rd battalion of CRPF at Manipur since the last six years. He was to begin his journey to visit his native place on Saturday to take part in the housewarming ceremony of his new house. But fate had other plans for him.
Umesh's father is a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation driver. His two younger brothers have completed graduation and trying to find employment.
The mortal remains of the soldier will reach his hometown on Monday after which funeral will take place, the family members. In the meanwhile, the local people have demanded for performing the martyred soldier's funeral in government land.