Pune: The last rites of CRPF jawan Ravindra Dhanwade, who was martyred while fighting terrorists in Pulwama on Saturday, were performed at his native village of Mohat in Jawali taluka of Satara district on Sunday.
Dhanwade was one of eight security personnel martyred during the attack at the police complex in Pulwama district of Jammu & Kashmir. Four CRPF personnel and four personnel of J&K police lost their lives in the attack, supposedly carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad. Two terrorists were neutralised by the security forces.
The last remains of Dhanwade were flown down to Pune in a BSF aircraft. A guard of honour was held for him at Pune airport, after which his body was carried down to his native village of Mohat by road in the custody of CRPF personnel.
Dhanwade is survived by wife and two children, who live in Satara. His father was a school teacher whom he lost at a young age. He has two brothers, one works as an engineer and the other is a professor.
Dhanwade’s career
Dhanwade joined CRPF in 2000 at the age of 19. After completing his training at Recruit Training Centre, Srinagar, he joined the 45th Battalion of CRPF and was initially posted in Assam. He was later transferred to Srinagar and then posted in Mumbai in the 102th battalion of the Rapid Action Force.
Dhanwade has also done a posting in Naxal-affected Gadchiroli with the 192th Battalion of CRPF. He got promoted to the rank of Head Constable during the end of his tenure in Gadchiroli and then got posted with the 182nd Batallion of CRPF in Pulwama.
Sachin Gaikwad, Deputy Commandant, CRPF, said, “It’s a sad day for us as well as his family. He laid down his life in the service of the nation and will always be remembered as a martyr.” Gaikwad said a tribute was paid to the slain martyr of CRPF by firing 45 rounds in the air by 15 jawans.
A friend remembers
Krishna Mardhekar, a friend and fellow CRPF personnel told Sakal Times that Dhanwade was an excellent soldier and had done most of his service in the field. He said, “He always used to be in the Quick Response Team (QRT). He was a good friend and a great soldier.”
