Homage paid to two Indians killed in Virginia Tech shooting

Washington, Apr 22 (UNI) Friends and colleagues paid homage at separate funeral services to Prof G V Loganathan and student Minal Panchal, the two Indians killed last Monday in the shooting at Virginia Tech Universiy, about 250 miles here.

Indian Embassy was represented at both funerals held yesterday.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi sent condolence messages.

Indian Ambassador to US Ronen Sen attended the funeral service of Minal, who hailed from Mumbai, and read out the Congress President's message. Mr Rahul Chabbra, Press and Information minister in the Indian Embassy was also present.

Community Affairs Minsiter Anil Gupta attended Prof Loganathan's funeral service which was held in a church within the campus.

Also present were the deceased Professor's family members, who came from Tamil Nadu after his death.

Loganathan, a graduate from Kanpur IIT, had served at Virginia Tech University for 25 years. A number of his present and former colleagues attended his funeral service.

Representatives of the local Indian community were also present at both the funerals.

UNI