Rajesh had died after falling off a cliff at Kullu-Manali of Himachal Pradesh on December 18.Son of daily wage workers Shashi and Vathsala of Bethri village, Rajesh joined the Madras Sappers, the engineering group of the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army ten years ago.

On the fateful night of December 18, Rajesh is said to have ventured out of his camp to answer nature’s call. When he did not return to the camp, his companions launched a search operation, only to find that Rajesh had died falling off a cliff.

The body was flown to his native village at 2.30 am and Tahshildar Mahadeva Swamy and others received the mortal remains, which was then kept for public viewing at Kakotuparambu Primary School grounds, the same school where Rajesh completed his early schooling.

Rajesh’s wife Shilpa and their eight-month-old daughter bid final adieu to the soldier with other family members and dignitaries.

Last conversation

Minutes before his death, Rajesh had a 18 minute conversation with his wife Shilpa and the next morning the news of Rajesh going missing reached her. His Karnataka SIM card remained on his bed, said his friends and when the family members tried calling on his Himachal Pradesh SIM, the phone remained ringing near his camp. One of his footwear was found near the phone.