Bhadrak, August 4: A wave of grief has swept through Naugorada village under Bhatapada Panchayat in Chandbali Block of Bhadrak district following the untimely demise of CRPF Havildar Malay Sethi.

Sethi, who was posted as a Havildar with the CRPF in Bhubaneswar, was cremated at Chandbali Swargadwar with full honours. A CRPF contingent from Bhubaneswar arrived at the cremation ground around midnight and accorded him a guard of honour before the final rites were performed.

The 23-year veteran of the force had reportedly been going through emotional distress after the death of his younger brother in a road accident 21 days ago. According to reports, Sethi was admitted to a hospital in Bhubaneswar five days ago for treatment after his health condition deteriorated. He later passed away while undergoing treatment.

Sethi’s death has left his family, colleagues, and residents of the area mourning. Locals remembered him as a dedicated soldier who served the nation for more than two decades.