Bhubaneswar, Feb. 23: The state police today gave a guard of honour to former inspector in charge of Ghatagaon police station Dillip Sahu, who was killed yesterday in an exchange of fire with dacoits.

Inspector general of police (western range) R.K. Sharma said Sahu’s courage and sacrifice would remain as an example for his colleagues in the state police.

Higher education minister Badri Narayan Patra, who represents Keonjhar district, and several senior police officers were present at the district police headquarters to pay their last respects to the departed soul. Police personnel of Keonjhar district donated their one day’s salary to Sahu’s family as a mark of respect and solidarity.

Earlier, chief minister Naveen Patnaik had praised the slain officer’s courage and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 8 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the family of the bereaved and a government job to one of his kin. Sahu was killed while chasing a gang of dacoits, who had a plan to loot the vehicle of a shoe trader of Karanjia in Mayurbhanj district.

The inspector, who accompanied the vehicle to provide security, was gunned down by the dacoits. A month ago, Sahu had joined as the inspector of Ghatagaon police station after he was promoted.

A pall of gloom has descended on Dumal village, Sahu’s native place near Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district. His mortal remains were sent to his native place with full honours, where his last rites will be performed.

Sahu is survived by his wife and a four-year-old son.

The Odisha Police Officers’ Association condoled Sahu’s death and demanded Rs 50 lakh as compensation.

Association president Anup Kanungo and secretary Sunil Mohanty said the death of a young police officer while discharging the duty was unfortunate.