Thousands attend Sandeep Acharya's funeral in Bikaner

BIKANER: Thousands of people gathered at the Sheetla gate area here to take part in the last rites of Indian Idol 2 winner Sandeep Acharya. His wife Namrata was almost in unconscious state since the family members broke the news. The traders also kept their shops closed to pay a tribute to the singer.
A large number of people including singers like Raja Hassan (Sa Re Ga Ma fame) to Indian Idol 3 fame Pooja Chatterjee took part in the last rites in Bikaner on Monday.
Sandeep's family members could not control their tears when the funeral procession started towards the cremation ground. The local politicians and senior policemen also joined in the funeral and they still couldn't believe that Sandeep was no more.
His wife Namrata who was still under treatment due to a cesarean delivery last month was brought to the house.
"It is disheartening to see that such a young talented singer is no more. He is survived by his infant daughter and wife. It is sad to be part of this ceremony," said Raja Hassan who had flown from Mumbai and reached Bikaner in the morning.
Sandeep's father broke into tears when his mortal remains were consigned to flames. His last rites were performed by his cousin Naveen Acharya. The procession also saw a large number of senior citizens.
"Humarey Bikaner ka beta tha (He was son of our Bikaner)," said Ronaklal Gupta, a wholesale trader in Bikaner.
It must be mentioned that 29-year-old Bikaner-born singing star Sandeep Acharya was suffering from jaundice and died on Sunday morning.