The somber atmosphere enveloped Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, as the mortal remains of Corporal Vikky Pahade, an Indian Air Force soldier who fell victim to a terrorist attack, arrived in his hometown for his final journey on Monday.
Corporal Pahade lost his life in the Poonch Sector of Jammu and Kashmir when terrorists targeted an Indian Air Force vehicle convoy on the fateful evening of Saturday, May 4. The news of his demise sent shockwaves through his family and the community, leaving them grappling with profound grief.
Expressing her pride and anguish, Pahade’s sister, Geeta Pahade, a sub-inspector, spoke of her brother’s valor and the devastating loss his passing represents. “I am proud of my brother. I got to know about this (brother’s demise) a day before yesterday. I want justice for my brother,” she said, her voice tinged with emotion.
Sanju Gaunekar, Pahade’s brother-in-law, recounted the heartbreaking sequence of events that led to their family’s tragedy. “We came to know about the matter on Saturday evening. We received a message at around 6:30 pm that Pahade suffered a bullet injury and was hospitalized in Udhampur. Later, we were informed at around 7:30 pm that he succumbed to injuries,” Gaunekar revealed.
He further added, “We are proud of him, but it is a tragedy for the family as he was the lone son in the family and had three sisters. His father also passed away earlier.”
Corporal Pahade leaves behind a grieving family, including his five-year-old son, wife, mother, and sisters, as the nation mourns the loss of a brave son who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country. As Chhindwara bids farewell to one of its own, the memory of Corporal Vikky Pahade’s courage and dedication will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who knew him.