Amid the chanting of vedic hymns the last rites of Ratu’s royal family scion lal Chintamani Sharan Nath Shahdeo (82) began with full state honours at Ratu Palace on Thursday.

The ceremony began in the morning around 9 am at the Ratu palace where he along with his daughter-in-law and four grandsons (all married) used to stay. As the ritual began inside the policemen outside gave a gun salute to him. After this his body was taken to Varanasi for the

last rituals.

 Shahdeo’s Grandson Yuvraj Chandra Vikram Shah performed rituals like sprinkling of holy water on the mortal remains before the funeral.

Shahdeo was suffering from health problems for a long time. On Wednesday, his health deteriorated suddenly and he was admitted to Apollo Hospital. The doctors there declared him dead. He was the last heir of Chotanagpur dynasty on the Nagvanshi

kingdom.

leaders from across the political spectrum were among the thousands who attended the last rites. Just family members and few VVIPS were allowed to attend the rituals at his palace. Many senior

politicians from all the major parties attended the last rite of Shahdeo.

Former Chief Minister Arjun Munda, Former Assembly Speaker CP Singh, HRD Minister Geetashree Oraon, Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahai, AJSU Chief Sudesh Mahto and Chief Secretary (CS) Sajal Chakraverty paid their tribute to the departed soul. They went to his Samadhi and sprinkled the holy water on the mortal remains of Shahdeo.

Former CM Arjun Munda expressing his grief over the loss said, “He was Jharkhand’s gem. His death is a great loss for the state. I pray his soul rest in peace.”

“He was like Prince of peace for the economically vulnerable people. His absence will always be felt by us. He was a true King for his people,” said Chakraverty.

HRD Minister Geetashree Oraon said, “He was a renowned social worker. He had devoted his entire life for the welfare of the people. We will miss him.”