Lt Kalia’s body being flown to Palampur
Tribune News Service

DHARAMSALA, June 10 — The body of the Lt Saurabh Kalia, who had been reported missing during operations in Kargil, since May 5, is being flown to his native town of Palampur.

An Army spokesperson, today confirmed that the dead body of Lt Kalia, was amongst the six bodies handed over to the Indian Army by their Pakistani counterparts, today. As per reports appearing in various newspapers, Lt Kalia, had been missing since he along with other soldiers had gone on patrolling in the Kaksar area of Kargil, on May 5.

The Army authorities in Yol Cant confirmed that the body of the slain officer would be brought to Palampur. either today or tomorrow. Since no commercial flights are operating from Srinagar it will be brought to Jammu by an Army helicopter. His cremation is likely to take place tomorrow in Palampur, where his father is a senior scientist at the agriculture university.

The body of the 21 year Army officer which was handed over to the 23 Border Post of the Indian Army, is reported to be highly mutilated and decomposed. The opinion of the doctors is being sought on whether it can be safely transported as it is over a month old.

Senior Army officers, the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and other senior officers left for Palampur after news of the recovery of the body of Lt Kalia was received.