He said when the body arrived on Wednesday 'it was smelling and we were shocked because we found out that the body had not been embalmed'.

'It was a horrible sight because we found the body was wrapped in a plastic sheet with a cloth placed on top of it. When we removed the cloth, to see the face, the flesh of Sabu's face was stuck on the cloth. This is an unpardonable act done by the army,' said Unnniry.

As the news spread, over 1,000 people gathered to share the family's sorrow and anger.

According to locals, Sabu was a bright student and after working in the army for nearly four years as a clerk was selected to join the IMA.

'We are poor people and I was so happy when my son would tell me about the Indian Army. Our joy knew no limits when he said that soon he would be an officer. But what I got was this... The army should never treat anyone like what they did to my son,' said a weeping Varghese.

Wayanad Lok Sabha MP M.I. Shahnawaz (Congress) said that he has taken up the issue at the highest level.

'If there is any lapse on the part of the officials it will be seriously dealt with,' said Shahnawaz.

The villagers have now placed all their hopes on Defence Minister A.K. Antony, who belongs to the state. They are hoping he will take suitable action against the erring officials who did not embalm Sabu's body.