Thousands turn up to bid adieu to Major Rane

Chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai… Kaustubh Rane Amar Rahe” filled the air as thousands, most of whom had not even heard of Major Kaustubh Prakash Kumar Rane, till a couple of days ago, walked behind his coffin as Mira Road gave its martyr a hero’s farewell.

The mortal remains of Major Kaustubh Prakash Kumar Rane, were consigned to flames at the Mira Road crematorium with gun salutes and full military honours on Thursday afternoon. Rane was amongst the four brave hearts who had attained martyrdom in a fierce gunfight while trying to prevent militants from infiltrating into Gurez sector, north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Tuesday. The news of Major Rane’s martyrdom had cast a pall of grief over the region. The 29-year-old martyr’s body was brought in a casket from the Military’s Central Ordnance Depot in Malad to his residence in Hiral Sagar building of Sheetal Nagar in Mira Road at around 6.35 am. After the traditional rituals, people lined up outside the building to pay homage to their beloved real life hero who sacrificed his life in the line of duty. A flower decked truck carried the Major’s body at 9:30 am. Several thousands including local residents, politicians and social activists turned up to join a long procession — among the largest in this region, to mark the final journey. As a mark of respect, all business establishments remained closed. As the procession reached the crematorium at 11.30 am, every inch of it was filled with people wanting to pay their last respects to the slain officer. The national flag was taken off the casket and given to Major’s wife Kanika. The martyred major has left behind his wife, sisterKashyapi, 2-year-old son Agastya, parents, Prakash Rane and Jyoti Rane. Apart from officials representing the Army, Navy and Air Force, MoS (Home) Deepak Kesarkar, PWD Minister Eknath Shinde and a host of legislators and local politicians registered their presence.