The Andhra Pradesh government has announced a substantial cash reward of Rs. 1.25 crore for Kirti Chakra awardee Major Malla Ramgopal Naidu in recognition of his exceptional gallantry in counter-terrorism operations. Official orders to this effect were issued by J. Shyamala Rao, Special Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department. Major Ramgopal Naidu hails from Nagiripenta village in Santabommali mandal of Srikakulam district.

Major Ramgopal Naidu displayed extraordinary courage during a counter-terrorism operation conducted on October 26, 2023, in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. Braving grave risk to his life, he engaged heavily armed terrorists at close quarters and successfully protected the lives of his fellow soldiers. In recognition of his unmatched bravery, the Government of India announced the Kirti Chakra, the nation’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, on the occasion of Independence Day 2024.

Following intelligence inputs about terrorist infiltration in Kupwara district, Major Ramgopal Naidu led a search operation in the area. During the operation, five terrorists who had taken shelter in local houses opened fire on the security forces. Without hesitation, Major Ramgopal Naidu launched a counter-assault and neutralised three terrorists at close range. When another terrorist hurled a grenade, he displayed remarkable presence of mind, evaded the blast and eliminated the attacker. The operation concluded successfully with all five terrorists being neutralised.

The Andhra Pradesh government stated that the cash incentive was announced in line with its policy of rewarding armed forces personnel who receive ‘Chakra’ gallantry awards. Major Ramgopal Naidu is being widely lauded as the only Telugu officer to have received a prestigious bravery award of this stature, earning admiration across the state.