His mortal remains arrived at Cochin International Airport on Wednesday night and were moved to the Renai Medicity Hospital mortuary in Palarivattom.
Published Apr 24, 2025 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 24, 2025 | 9:00 AM
People paying respects to N Ramachandran in Kochi.
Synopsis: The mortal remains of N Ramachandran, a native of Edappally near Kochi in Kerala who was killed in a terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam, will be cremated on 25 April. Ramachandran, who was on vacation with his family, was among 26 tourists shot dead in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
The mortal remains of N Ramachandran (66), a native of Edappally near Kochi in Kerala who was killed in a terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam, will be cremated at 11.30 am on Friday, 25 April.
His mortal remains arrived at Cochin International Airport on Wednesday night and were moved to the Renai Medicity Hospital mortuary in Palarivattom.
Kerala Agriculture Minister P Prasad and Ernakulam District Collector NSK Umesh received the body at the airport at around 8 pm, along with grieving relatives and political leaders, including Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan and BJP Kerala chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
The final rites will be performed at the Edappally public crematorium.
Ramachandran had once been a significant presence in Edappally’s political and social circles, particularly during the 1990s. He had returned to his native place two years ago, after spending a prolonged period abroad.
Kochi Mayor Advocate M Anilkumar told South First that the Corporation has not arranged a separate public tribute, as leaders from various political parties and local councillors are actively involved in organising and coordinating the proceedings
Ramachandran, who was on vacation with his family, was among 26 tourists shot dead in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. His wife, daughter and grandchildren, who survived, accompanied the body, while his son joined them from Bengaluru.
Emotional scenes unfolded both at the airport and in Edappally, where slogans against terrorism were raised. The body was taken to a nearby hospital mortuary.
The funeral has been scheduled for Friday, following the arrival of his brother and son in-law from abroad. On the day of the funeral, the body will be brought to his residence, Neeranjanam, located on Mangat Road in Edappally, after being kept for public homage at Changampuzha Park from 7 am to 9 am.
A long-time expatriate who returned to Kerala after years in Dubai, Ramachandran had hoped to spend his retirement close to nature and family.
He ran a private security firm before settling down in Edappally two years ago, where he built his dream home, surrounded by a lush garden that became a quiet landmark along Mangad Road.
On Tuesday, the terrorists shot Ramachandran point-blank in the head after asking him his name – while his daughter and grandchildren were watching in horror.
His daughter ran with her children, stumbling in the rugged terrain but never letting them go. The Army arrived nearly an hour later to evacuate the survivors.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman.)
