Nagpur: Firefighter Dhanraj Meshram, who lost his life in the deadly fire and explosions at Central Ammunition Depot in Pulgaon on May 31, was given a tearful adieu at Nara Ghat in city on Tuesday. The last rites of Dhanraj Meshram were deferred as his body was blown to pieces and was beyond recognition. The body was handed over to kin of Dhanraj Meshram after DNA tests were performed. After the DNA tests and proper identification, body of Dhanraj Meshram was brought to Nagpur ans was kept at his Omnagar residence for people to pay their last respects.
The last rites of the brave firefighter Dhanraj Meshram were performed with State honours and attended by a large number of people including wife Rohini, two sons, host of relatives and friends. The martyr firefighter’s elder son lit the pyre amid poignant scenes. People attending the last rites could not control their tears and remembered the bravery of Dhanraj Meshram. The funeral procession started from Omnagar residence of the martyr and the last rites were performed at Nara Ghat
The brave-heart served the Indian Army for 23 years and was posted at different places. In his distinguished career, the late Dhanraj Meshram was deployed at Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir and Assam borders among other postings. After completion of bond with the Indian Army 18 months ago, late Meshram was serving at Pulgaon CAD as firefighter.
It may be recalled, at least 20 people, including two Army officers, died in a fire at the Army’s biggest ammunition depot in Pulgaon on May 31. The Central Ammunition Depot (CAD), Pulgaon, located about 115 km from Nagpur, is spread over an area of more than 7,000 acres and stores a variety of ammunition and explosives in a large number of sheds. The fire started in one of the sheds at 1 am and the Quick Reaction Teams and Fire Fighting Teams restricted it to that one shed. In the initial efforts to douse the fire, two Army officers, one Army jawan and 13 civilian firefighting staff lost their lives.
