U'khand chopper crash: IAF pilot cremated in Madurai

A large number of people today bid a tearful adieu to IAF pilot K Praveen, killed in a helicopter crash during a rescue mission in Uttarakhand, at the funeral held at his native place here.
Amid poignant scenes, the body of Praveen was cremated with full state honours.
Earlier, the body was brought by a special flight here and officials including District Collector Anshul Mishra, SP Balakrishnan and IAF personnel, paid homage to him.
Tamil Nadu Minister Sellur K Raju, who represented the state government, said Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had announced a solatium of Rs 10 lakh to the mother of Praveen, her only son.

Hundreds of people participated in the funeral procession from his house at TVS Nagar to Keerathurai Moolakarai cremation ghat where the body was consigned to flames.
27-year-old Flt Lt Praveen was among the 20 rescue personnel killed in June 25 helicopter crash.