Former President Pranab Mukherjee, who passed away at the age of 84, was cremated with full military honours on Tuesday afternoon at the Lodhi Road crematorium following a strict COVID-19 precautionary protocol.
The veteran Congress leader, who had tested positive for COVID-19, was admitted at Delhi's Army Research and Referral Hospital in a critical condition and was on ventilator support. On Monday, doctors had stated that Mukherjee was in septic shock due to lung infection.
Pranab Mukherjee's son Abhijit Mukherjee performed the last rites as the Former President was accorded a 21-gun military salute. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only close family members of the late leader were allowed to enter the crematorium. Those handling the mortal remains were seen armed with PPE kits, face masks and hand gloves.
In photo: People carry the mortal remains of former President Pranab Mukherjee for his final rites.
The mortal remains of Pranab Mukherjee, India's 13th President, were taken to his residence from the Army's Research and Referral hospital in a flower-bedecked white vehicle.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the first few politicians who paid floral tributes to the departed soul at his residence in New Delhi.
Keeping up with the military traditions, the three service chiefs of India's Defence system placed wreaths on Pranab Mukherjee's mortal remains before a galaxy of top political leaders from across parties lined up to pay floral tributes.
In photo: Abhijit Mukherjee performs the final rites of his father and late Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee.
Armed with a face mask, Prime Minister Narendra visited Pranab Mukherjee's residence and paid his respects to the late leader. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi had said Pranab Mukherjee would be remembered by generations for his efforts towards India's progress. Pic/Twitter Narendra Modi
In photo: President Ram Nath Kovind lays a wreath as he pays homage to Pranab Mukherjee. Pic/Twitter President of India
Besides Modi and Kovind, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat were among those who joined the country to bid adieu to the 'People's President'. Pic/Twitter Rajnath Singh
In photo: Indian tour operators and members of Himalayan Hospitality and Tourism Development Network (HHTDN) hold placards as they pay homage to Pranab Mukherjee, in Siliguri.
After giving a 21-gun military salute, the Tricolour that was wrapped around the veteran politician's body was removed and given to his family.
As a mark of respect, the Home Ministry announced a 7-day state mourning from August 31 to September 6. During this period, the Tricolour will fly half-mast on all buildings throughout the country. Also, there will be no official entertainment during these seven days. Pic/Twitter ANI
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