BHUBANESWAR: It was a grief-stricken morning for the quaint Ishani village in Balasore district as the mortal remains of Prasant Kumar Satpathy had just reached home.
A central government employee, the 42-year-old was shot dead by terrorists at Pahalgam in Kashmir two days back. Hundreds of people from all walks of life walked behind Prasant’s body, which was taken out in a procession that stretched over a kilometre.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi flew to Balasore in the morning and took part in the funeral procession. He not only paid floral tributes to Prasant’s mortal remains but also walked alongside the grieving family, relatives and local residents to the cremation field, a rare gesture that struck an emotional chord.
The chief minister spoke to the family members and announced Rs 20 lakh ex gratia, a job for Prasant’s wife and free education for his son. “This is not just a personal loss to the family but a collective tragedy for the state. We will ensure that the child’s future is protected and the family is given all necessary support,” Majhi said.
Majhi was accompanied by Steel and Mines minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena and BJP State President Manmohan Samal. Prasant’s body arrived at Bhubaneswar airport in the midnight and was brought to Ishani village in a special vehicle after deputy chief minister KV Singh Deo, Revenue minister Suresh Pujari and government officials paid tributes.
By morning, the village had swelled with mourners. His wife Priyadarshini broke down upon seeing the body, clutching her nine-year-old son Tanuj, who looked on, confused and silent, unable to fully grasp the enormity of the loss. He later lit the funeral pyre before the body was consigned to flames.
Kalinga Commercial Corporation Limited (KCCL), a leading mines developer and operator, also provided financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the grieving family. A team led by Director (administration) Archana Samal travelled to the village and handed over the cheque to Priyadarshini. She also promised a job for Tanuj in the company after he completes education. Earlier, the J&K government had announced Rs 10 lakh ex gratia for each families of the deceased.