Maharashtra mourns two troopers killed in Pulwama attack

Buldhana (Maharashtra), Feb 15 (IANS) Two CRPF troopers from Maharashtra were among the 49 killed in Thursday's terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said here on Friday.

Nitin Shivaji Rathod and Sanjay Rajput were both residents of Buldhana district in Vidarbha.

Hundreds of grieving locals descended on the homes of the two troopers on hearing the news of their demise.

Hailing from a farming family of Chorpangra village, Rathod (36) joined the CRPF in 2006. He leaves behind his wife Vandana and two minor children -- Jeevan (8) and Jivika (5).

"We are shattered by the news, which we received shortly after midnight. Our aged parents Shivaji Rathod and Savitribai are inconsolable," said Rathod's younger brother Pravin, who helps his parents on their farm.

Sanjay Rajput from Malkapur village had joined the paramilitary force almost 20 years ago and served in J&K, Chhattisgarh and the Northeast. He is survived by his wife Sushma and two sons -- Jai (13) and Shubham (11).

"He left for Nagpur on February 11 for his new posting with the 115th Battalion in Srinagar. When I called him on Thursday around 9.30 a.m., he informed me that he had left Jammu at 3.30 a.m. to join his new assignment. Later around midnight, we were informed of his demise," Sanjay Rajput's brother Rajesh told mediapersons at the village.

Meanwhile Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the families of Rathod and Rajput, besides promising to take care of their rehabilitation.

Mumbai's Siddhi Vinayak Temple Trust chairman Adesh Bandekar too announced Rs 51 lakh and other help for the families.

The bodies of Rathod and Rajput are likely to arrive in their villages on Saturday for the last rites.