Tearful adieu for INS Sindhurakshak submariner

AMRITSAR: The last rites of Atul Sharma, one of the Indian Navy personnel who lost their lives in the INS Sindhurakshak tragedy in Mumbai, were today performed by his family members here.

The last rites for the Amritsar-based Sharma were performed at the Durgiana Temple Cremation ground.

The 22-year-old sailor had been posted on the ill-fated submarine which witnessed multiple explosions on board before sinking in the Arabian Sea in August.

The uniform and other belongings of Sharma today reached his home wrapped in the Tricolour.

The last rites were performed symbolically as the body of the young sailor was not found following the accident off the Mumbai coast. A large crowd of mourners and locals attended the ceremony.

It may be recalled that the Indian Navy Kilo class submarine sank in the small hours of August 14 at the naval yard in Mumbai.

There were 18 crew members (three officers and 15 sailors) who went down with the vessel.

Sharma's family members said they were all excited about celebrating his birthday in Amritsar on August 16th but fate had something else in store for them.