Heartfelt Farewell: Soldiers Son Performs Last Rites in Munger

Munger, August 10: The village of Vasudevpur in Munger mourned the loss of Army Havildar Sanjeev Kumar, who passed away at the Command Hospital in Lucknow. The 41-year-old soldier had been unwell for several days. Upon receiving the news of his demise, fellow soldiers transported his body back to Munger in an ambulance.

In a poignant moment, Sanjeev’s five-year-old son, Yogesh Raj, performed the last rites on Monday, a duty that typically belongs to a father. According to military tradition, Havildar Sanjeev was honored with a military salute at the cremation ground. Soldiers from a unit that arrived from Gaya paid their respects with gun salutes. Among those present were Subedar Kishore Kumar, Naik Subhash Kumar Nirala, Naik Subedar Ranjit Singh, and Subedar Deepak Chaudhary.

After the military honors, young Yogesh Raj stood by his father‘s pyre, wrapped in the tricolor flag, bringing tears to the eyes of everyone present. The crowd chanted, “Martyr Sanjeev Kumar will live forever,” as Havildar Sanjeev was laid to rest.

Sanjeev Kumar joined the army in 2004 and dedicated nearly 22 years to serving the nation. His last posting was in Gopalpur, Odisha, with the Army Air Defense Regiment. He was admitted to the Command Hospital in Lucknow due to deteriorating health, where he ultimately passed away.

He leaves behind a wife and two young sons. Yogesh Raj is five years old, and his younger brother is around three. The emotional toll on his wife was evident as she wept uncontrollably during the funeral, frequently losing her composure. Family members and villagers tried to console her.

The atmosphere at the cremation ground was filled with sorrow as onlookers reflected on the tragedy of a child saying goodbye to his father at such a tender age. The news of Sanjeev’s passing sent shockwaves through Vasudevpur and surrounding areas. A large number of local residents, representatives, and soldiers attended the funeral.

Soldier Subhash Kumar remarked, “Sanjeev was a disciplined and dedicated soldier. The country has lost a brave son.” Villagers have urged the government to provide all possible assistance to the martyr’s family.