Body of Kashmiri businessman who was killed in Russia laid to rest in Srinagar

Srinagar: The body of a local youth, who died on Wednesday following an attack by goons in Russain province of Tatarstan, was on Saturday laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard here amid demand for justice for the deceased's family.

Yasir Shirazi's body was brought in an ambulance to his Hassanabad residence in Rainawari locality of downtown Srinagar this afternoon and was received by several thousands of mourners, including relatives.

The mourners, carrying black flags and photographs of the 27-year-old, shouted slogans demanding justice for the family during the funeral procession.

They praised the prompt action of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to ensure early transportation of the body from Russia to his birthplace in the Valley.

The mourners expressed hope that the guilty would be identified and brought to book.

The deceased hailed from a business family and dealt in handicrafts, particularly paper mache goods. He was on a business trip to Russia when he was attacked by local goons while returning to his hotel. The attackers, apparently robbers, took away his bag containing money, passport and other belongings.

He was taken to hospital where he slipped into coma and after battling for life for a few days, was declared dead on Wednesday.

Earlier, Swaraj said the Centre has taken up the issue with Russian authorities and "we will take this to the logical conclusion."

The incident had came to light after Murtaza Jaffar, a friend of Yasir, informed the External Affairs Minister through a tweet about the incident.

After the tweet, Swaraj responded through a number of tweets and offered all possible help.