Wife expecting first child,he wanted to be home

Four among those killed in the attack were natives of Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur district — an only son,a doting father who wanted his daughter to be at par with his sons,an anxious father-to-be,and a son who was the pride of his village.

Head Constable Avdhesh Yadav (45) hailed from village Chaurai Buzurge under Gangaha Police Station. His wife Sheela Devi,sons Dharampal and Rahul,daughter Kanchana and parents Renuka and Ram Naresh are devastated.

A doting father who wanted his sons to join the police force — his brother Suresh is also a constable with the UP Police — Avdhesh wanted his daughter to be well educated.

His uncle,Ramvriksha Yadav,who is a Sub-Inspector posted at Siddharth Nagar,said: “He had called us three days ago enquiring about his children’s studies and his father’s health.” Sons Dharampal and Rahul are studying for BA final-year and Class IX examinations,respectively,while Kanchana has appeared for her intermediate examination.

A native of village Jaiti under Belghat Police Station,Constable Ramanand Yadav (30),was the only son of his parents. He is survived by his wife Laxmi,children Ranjana (7) and Adarsh (5) and parents Kumari Devi and Ramdulare.

Known to be a jovial man,Ramanand last spoke to his family on Saturday. His brother-in-law,Shatrughan Yadav,said: “He called up to say that he will be back soon.”

Twenty-five-year-old Constable Jitendra Kumar,eldest son of the village school headmaster,was the pride of his village,Naukaipurwa under Bansgaon police station.

He is survived by wife Sarita Devi,son Abhishek (3) and parents Surja Devi and Ram Mahesh. Jitendra last called up home on Monday night.

“He was preparing khichdi and said this was his last meal before leaving for a mission. It actually turned out to be his last meal,” sobbed younger brother Mahendra Kumar.