Posted in Ladakh, soldier dies of oxygen deficiency; cremated with military honours in Gurugram

Gurugram, Aug 24 (PTI) Pritam Khatana, an Indian Army soldier who died during treatment in Chandigarh after falling sick due to oxygen deficiency while on duty in Ladakh, was cremated with military honours at his native village Abhaypur in Gurugram district on Sunday.

Khatana's 13-year-old son Pratik lit his funeral pyre, an official said.

According to a statement issued by the district administration, Khatana died on Saturday during treatment at the military hospital in Chandigarh, where he was shifted after falling sick on August 15.

Khatana's body was brought to his residence on Sunday, where a large number people, including Sohana SDM Akhilesh Yadav, paid tributes to the soldier.

Khatana's uncle Subedar Rajbir said he was recruited into the Army Service Corps in 2011 as a havildar at the age of 19.

"On August 15, Pritam's health suddenly deteriorated due to lack of oxygen while on duty. He was shifted to the military hospital in Chandigarh, where he died during treatment on Saturday.

"Pritam's father Giriraj Khatana also served in the Army. He is survived by his wife, son Pratik and daughter Panchhi," Rajbir said. PTI COR ARI