Odisha mourns martyrdom of Jawan Pradeep Panda

ONI Bureau: The entire state has plunged into grief over the demise of CRPF jawan Pradeep Panda who laid down his life, fighting for the nation at Pulwama. Pradeep, who hailed from Rajgangpur in Sundargarh district, is survived by a pregnament wife and a son.

Pradeep Kumar Panda, who fell to JeM militant’s bullets on Sunday, had a similar encounter with death in August 2016. He had taken on armed terrorists during an attack on Nowhatta Chowk Centre during Independence Day celebrations. He fought valiantly braving heavy shelling and achieved his mission. He was even recommended for the police gallantry medal.

He was part of the Quick Reaction Team (QRT) of CRPF’s 132 battalion. He, 3 other jawans and a radio operator were killed in the terror attack in Pulwama December 31.

Panda had joined the CRPF in 2006. His body would arrive in Odisha tonight or tomorrow morning. His last rites will be held at Liploi village in Rajgangpur of Sundargarh district in Odisha.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh and monthly pension of Rs 2,000 for the family of martyred jawan Pradeep Kumar Panda. “Saluting the valiant son of Odisha Pradeep Panda who laid down his life for the motherland. He was the pride of CRPF for his gallantry. The braveheart will always live in our hearts and inspire us with his heroism,” the Chieff Minister Tweeted today.