I'm proud of him. Aren't you, asks martyr's father

An emotional father of railway police officer Shashank Shinde, who lost his life fighting the terrorists during the Mumbai attacks, has complained of his son's sacrifice being 'neglected'.

"Even my son, a railway police inspector, has sacrificed his life for the nation. Why is nothing being said about his martyrdom," asked Chandersingh Shinde.

Shashank Shinde (46), Railway Police Inspector at the CST station lost his life when two terrorists opened fire inside the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

"The names of the top police officials are being shown as heroes everywhere and everyone remembers their contribution for the country. These people were shot dead before they could start the operation. My son has sacrificed his life while he was trying to kill the terrorists at the CST station, who were killing innocent people," said Shinde.

"He was trying to save several lives of Mumbaikars and was unfortunately killed by the terrorists. I am proud of my son and so are the people who are associated with him," he added.

"His presence can never be felt again, but we are proud of the fact that he sacrificed his life while saving several other lives. He had certain principles in his life and whatever we are today we owe to him," said Shashank's younger sister Shubhade.

Shinde joined the force in 1987 and was working with the Central Railways for two years. Earlier, he worked with the Crime Branch, the Protection Department and Traffic Police Department before being transferred to the GRP.

"I will request and advice that the policemen should be given advanced weapons, bullet proof jackets and other equipments to fight against such terrorists, who want to create fear among locals and shake the economy of the country," said Chandersingh.

Shinde is survived by wife Mansi (40), who is working as an assistant administrative officer at LIC, and two daughters Aditi (18) and Nivedita (14).