Body of Indian peacekeeper flown to West Bengal

Kolkata: The body of Havildar Bharat Sasmal, who died on Tuesday while serving the UN Mission in South Sudan, was brought to Kolkata on Thursday.

A Defence Ministry statement said Havildar Sasmal was among the five soldiers whose convoy was ambushed in Jonglei Region in South Sudan. Hailing from Patospur village of Howrah district, Sasmal is survived by a widowed mother, wife, a nine-year old daughter and a five-year old son. Wreaths were laid on the body as a mark of respect on behalf of Army Commander, Lt Gen Dalbir Singh and by GOC Bengal Area, Lt Gen AK Choudhary. A large gathering of serving Army personnel were present during the wreath laying ceremony. The solder`s mortal remains of the soldier have been taken to his native place where the last rites will take place Friday. IANS