Indore, April 24 (HS): The final rites of Sushil Nathaniel, a resident of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, who tragically died in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, were held on Thursday at the Juna Indore cemetery following Christian customs. His body was first displayed in a church for final prayer and viewing, attended by family, friends, and local dignitaries, including state water resources minister Tulsiram Silawat and Congress state president Jitu Patwari.

Sushil, who lived in Veena Nagar, was murdered in an attack targeting tourists, with his remains arriving in Indore late Wednesday night.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav came to pay his respects, offering floral tributes and condolences to Sushil’s grieving family.

Sushil’s final journey began at his home, where heart-wrenching scenes unfolded as his family mourned. His wife, Jennifer, was notably distraught, as was his aunt, Indu Dawar, asking, Who am I supposed to wait for now?

Many political and social figures attended the service, reflecting on the tragedy. After prayers at Nanda Nagar Church, Sushil’s body was taken to the cemetery for burial, where family members participated in filling the grave with soil.

Minister Silawat expressed condolences, emphasizing that the entire nation stands in solidarity with Sushil’s family during this painful time.

Sushil had traveled to Kashmir with his wife, daughter Akanksha, and son Austen Goldie, to be met with a horrific fate.

Austen Nathaniel, one of the survivors who returned home to Indore with his father’s body, described his 22 April ordeal.The attackers appeared to be ‘very young and disturbingly casual’. “

They were taking selfies. They had cameras mounted on their heads, like they were here to film everything,” Austen said at Juni Indore cemetery on Thursday after laying his father Sushil Nathaniel to rest.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar