Thousands throng Betadur village to bid farewell to Lance Naik Hanumanthappa

Betadur (Dharwad), Feb 11: Thousands of people gave already gathered at the home of India's Siachen hero Lance Naik Hanumathappa, who lost a brave battle at Army's R&R Hospital in Delhi yesterday.

Eshwar Koppad, one of the close relatives of the martyred solider told OneIndia on Friday that the body of Lance Naik Hanamanthappa will be fist kept at the Nehru Stadium in Hubbali for the public to pay respects.

"Then it will be brought to the Government High School in Betadur around Noon. The last rites will be held in Betadur around 3 pm. We are not yet sure about the final timings," Eshwar said.

He said Lance Naik Hanumanthappa's family, who came back in a special flight last night, stayed back in Hubbali.

"The government had made arrangements for their stay. We were taking care of other arrangements at home and at the school," Eshwar said.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had already announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh, four acres of land (wet or dry), a site in Hubbali and a government job for one of the dependants.

According to Eshwar, the crowds have begun to swell in Hubbali from early Friday morning itself.

"People have been coming from distant places right from last night. We haven't expected this. Koppad (Lance Naik Hanumanthappa) was very passionate about joining the Army. He had made many attempts before he was finally selected in 2002. When he failed to get selection in the initial years, he never gave up," Eshwar said.

OneIndia News