Slogans against terrorism amidst tears; state bids adieu to Ramachandran, laid to rest with state honours

KOCHI: Ramachandran, the Malayali killed in the terror attack in Pehalgam was laid to rest. He was cremated at the crematorium in Edapally with full state honours. The body kept in the morgue of Renai Medicity was brought to Changampuzha Park in Edapally at 7 am this morning. Many paid homage to the departed soul. After the public darshan at Changampuzha Park, the body was taken to his house Neeranjanam on Mangat Road.

Governor of Kerala Rajendra Arlekar, Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai, Union Minister Suresh Gopi, Minister P Rajeev, opposition leader V D Satheesan, Kochi Mayor M Anil Kumar, Ernakulam Collector N S K Umesh, actor Jayasurya and others paid their last respects. Many people had visited Ramachandran's house yesterday. Minister R Bindu, former minister P K Sreemathy, BJP leader A N Radhakrishnan, director Major Ravi and others had come to visit his relatives. Ramachandran's elder brother Rajagopala Menon arrived from the US last evening. The decision to cremate him today was taken as his relatives in the US have to reach.

When Ramachandran's body was taken out of the house, slogans against communalism and terrorism were raised. The family members also shouted slogans along with Bharat Mata Ki Jai. Ramachandran had gone to Jammu and Kashmir for a holiday with his wife, daughter and grandchildren. The Kashmir trip was decided after his daughter Arathy arrived from Dubai. Ramachandran was shot dead by terrorists in front of her eyes. Arathy said the terrorists left them alone as her children were crying.