Soldier from Harihar killed in Pokhran explosion

An Indian Army soldier from Harihar, Davangere district, was martyred in an explosion at  Pokhran, Rajasthan, on Monday.    

Javid (32), a resident of P B Road, and a Nayak with Madras Engineering Group, was the second son of Abdul Khadar Saab and Fatimabi.

He is survived by wife Sartaj Banu, two daughters three-year-old daughter Ameena Qaisar and one-and-half-year-old Javeriya Ayat.

According to his family members, Javid was killed after an explosion while he was at a training programme.

Javid had spoken to his mother over phone on Monday morning. He had called up Banu at 3.30 pm informing her that he would be leaving for Pokhran for a training programme.

As usual, Fatimabi was expecting his call in the night. However, she received a call about her son's martyrdom.

"I am proud of my son as he laid down his life while serving the country," Khadar Saab told DH. "He always dreamt to serve in the Army. He had applied for a job in the Army without informing anybody while he was in college," Javid's friend Mohammad Ali said. Javid's mortal remains would be flown by a special flight to Bengaluru from Jodhpur at 11 am on Wednesday and will be taken to his native place by a special vehicle by road. Final rites would be held on Thursday at Eidgah maidan.

Javid completed his primary and secondary education from MRB school.

He completed pre-university course from SJVP PU College and joined the Army in 2005. He had obtained a degree in BCom through distance education mode. He served in the Army for 14 years.