The grief-stricken mother and other relatives of Maj Arvind Bazala, who died in Cheetah helicopter crash in West Bengal, at his native village in the RS Pura area. Tribune Photo: Inderjeet Singh

Amir Karim Tantray

Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 2

As the wife of Major Arvind Bazala, an Army officer killed in a chopper crash in West Bengal on Wednesday, was yet to come to terms with the death of her husband, she managed to gather strength to inform her in-laws about the tragedy.The news shook the family and people living in the vicinity of their residence here as the Bazala family is quite renowned in the area. Major Arvind Bazala was quite famous among the villagers due to his good nature.His wife Ahana Bazala was in Siliguri, where he was posted, and was informed by the Army about his death there.It was due to his soft and sober nature that thousands of people gave a tearful adieu to the Army officer today when his mortal remains reached his native village for the last rites. Around 9.30 am today, Major Bazala’s mortal remains reached his home and by 12 noon the last rites were performed with full military honours.His whole family, father Thoru Ram Bhagat, a retired LIC agent, mother Santosh Devi, a bank employee, wife Ahana Bazala and younger brother Ankush Bazala, who is an engineering student, has been in a deep shock since Wednesday when he died in a chopper crash at the Sukna military camp helipad in West Bengal.“He was a loyal son of his parents and used to call home every evening to enquire about their wellbeing and about the studies of his younger brother. It was his wife who informed the family about his death, which brought a pall of gloom in the family,” Parveen Kumar, childhood friend of Major Arvind Bazala, said.The Major had last talked to his parents on Tuesday evening and enquired about the health of his father, who has not been keeping well for the past some time. “It was a routine for Arvind to call parents and he was quite concerned about his father’s health. He used to advise his mother and younger brother to take care of his father,” Parveen Kumar added.Major Arvind had visited his home in October to attend the marriage of one of his relatives and was happy with his life. “On November 14, he celebrated his first wedding anniversary in Siliguri, where he was posted and was happy with whatever he had achieved. Becoming a pilot was his childhood dream and when he didn’t manage to join the Air Force, he opted for the aviation wing after joining the Army,” his friend said.“We have lost a brave and dynamic officer and dear friend,” he added.