Capt Kataria cremated with state honours

Chandigarh, Oct 31 (UNI) The mortal remains of Capt Dalip Kataria, who died in an air crash, was consigned to the flames here today at Sector 25 Cremation Ground with full state honours.

Capt Kataria, along with his co-pilot, was killed on Wednesday when the state government six seater aircraft he was piloting crashed near Ludhiana.

Capt Kataria is survived by his wife, Bhawna Kataria, two daughters Lopa, a doctor and Hemal, a pilot and a son Kapil Kataria, an aerospace engineer.

Cooperation Minister Capt Kanwaljit Singh laid wreath on behalf of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal while Chief Secretary R I Singh laid a wreath on behalf of the Punjab Government. A representative of Indian Air Force also placed a wreath on behalf of Air Commodore Nayar.

Besides, Mr Viswajit Khanna, Secretary, Civil Aviation, Mr Gagandeep Singh Brar, Director, Civil Aviation and Mr R K Kaushik, Additional Secretary, Political also laid wreaths.

Capt Kanwaljit Singh assured the family members of the deceased that the state government would extend all support and cooperation to the family.

Kapil lit the pyre as a contingent of the Punjab Police reversed arms and fired a volley of 30 rounds in the air as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

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