Thousands pay last respects to Gouthu Latchanna

Sompeta, Andhra Pradesh, Apr 20 (UNI) Thousands of people bid a tearful adieu to freedom fighter and noted leader Gouthu Lacthanna, who died at a private hospital in Visakhapatnam yesterday.

The mortal remains of the departed leader, who was jailed during the freedom struggle and later served thrice as Minister of erstwhile Madras Presidency and Andhra Pradesh, was consigned to flames today with state honours here, his hometown in Srikakulam District.

His son S Sivaji, a TDP legislator from this town, lit the pyre amid chanting of hymns and a three-round gun salute. Thousands of people joined the last journey of Mr Lachanna who was known as the champion of backward classes and weaker sections of the society.

Many of his followers came from far and wide to pay their last respects to their beloved leader. Revenue Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao represented the state government.

The others included TDP Parliamentary Party Yarran Naidu and former ministers and officials.

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