Paigude would dream of his son joining the armed forces when he ferried cadets of the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1972. His son didn't let him down, and joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1995.

Today, only fragments of memories -- and bitterness at alleged Air Force apathy -- remain at the Gujarath Colony in Kothrud where the Paigudes live. Markets in the downed their shutters, ``in protest against the apathy shown by the Air Force authorities over the incident.'' The family was told late in the evening that the mortal remains of their son would not arrive yesterday. An IAF spokesman said theyreceived a message from Delhi that the body would not arrive in the city on Tuesday. Officials, however, admitted that the delay may have occurred owing to post-mortem and other formalities.The distraught father sat in a corner shaking his head, as if to say that this was just a bad dream. Since the incident, the Air Force authorities reportedly contacted the Paigude family just three times. ``We got the first call at around 3 pm on Sunday afternoon informing his mother about the accident. However, no more details were forthcoming,'' his father said.

Another call from the Air Force authorities informed them that a flight was waiting at the airport for the Paigude family. But by the time the family members reached the airport, the flight had already left. Although the authorities initially seemed to be willing to organise another flight, precious time had been lost and the authorities later politely told the family that the mortal remains would be brought here on Monday afternoon.A neighbour, however,alleged that the family members were told they could board the Goa-Nizamuddin Express the next day. When details were sought on the means of transport for the Paigude family, none of the officials seemed to be available.

``We have been in direct contact with Delhi through a friend who is posted in the IAF there. The authorities do not seem to have any time for us ordinary folks,'' a neighbour, Makarand Nagarkar, alleged. ``We are common folk. We do not understand the details involved in such operations. The least they can do is guide us,'' another neighbour said.

Nagarkar, who remembered Raju as one of the brightest boys in the colony, felt nobody will join the forces, ``if they are so callous.''