Satna's Subedar Major Dilip Pandey dies on duty in Jammu and Kashmir, cremated at Chaura

Subedar Major Dilip Pandey of Satna died of a brain haemorrhage while on duty in Jammu and Kashmir. His mortal remains reached his home village, Chaura, on Saturday, where he was cremated with military honours. His younger son, Vineet, lit the pyre.

Pandey was posted with the Army Air Defence Corps of the Indian Army. According to family members, his health had deteriorated a few days earlier and he was being treated in Jammu and Kashmir itself. The family learnt of his death on Friday morning.

Pandey had been expected home for Diwali. A son was born to his elder son, Vikram, and he wanted to come for the festival to share in the joy. He was eager to spend time with the family and see his grandson, but news of his death came before he could return home.

Pandey's father, Rameshwar Prasad Pandey, had died earlier. He is survived by his wife, Sandhya Pandey, and two sons. The elder son, Vikram, works in a private job, while the younger son, Vineet, is studying in Indore. His wife Sandhya, elder son Vikram and other family members were present at the funeral.

The Army Air Defence Corps protects the country's airspace and military installations from enemy aircraft, drones and missile attacks.