Mithilaj, son of Kunjali of Kurambra, had experienced sudden chest pain during his morning exercise in Bhopal. Though he was rushed to a hospital, he could not be saved.
His mortal remains were flown from Bhopal and reached the Kozhikode International Airport on Wednesday evening. The body was later taken to his house at Karamoola in a funeral procession from Nellikkaparamba at around 8 p.m.
On Thursday morning, the body was kept for public homage at Karamoola Azad U.P. School, where Mithilaj had studied. The school declared a holiday until noon to enable the public to pay their last respects. Hundreds of people from different parts of the region gathered there to pay homage to the departed soldier.
A military contingent led by Major Rinub conducted the ceremonial honours. Thiruvambady MLA C.K. Kasim, Karassery grama panchayat president G. Abdul Akbar, and several other elected representatives were among those present.
The official ceremonies and special prayers concluded by around 9.30 a.m. The mortal remains were subsequently taken to the Karamoola Juma Masjid cemetery, where he was laid to rest.