Murali Naik, 23 had joined the armed forces in December 2022

Minister Savita visited the bereaved family, offering Rs.5 lakh as immediate financial aid and said preparations are underway to erect a statue of the martyr at Gorantla circle as a tribute to his sacrifice

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Murali Naik, 23 who served in the 851 Light Regiment of the Indian Army under the 25 Artillery Brigade, 25 Infantry Division of Northern Command, was killed in action during a Pakistani-initiated firing incident on the night of May 8. The Indian Army retaliated fiercely, but the young soldier succumbed in the line of duty, classified officially as a “battle casualty.”

Born on August 10, 2002, Murali joined the Army on December 29, 2022, and was posted to his current unit on August 9, 2023. His death, which occurred in active duty, has left a deep void in both his unit and his native community. Murali hailed from Kallitanda, a tribal hamlet in Gorantla Mandal of Sri Sathya Sai District, Andhra Pradesh. He spent his early years in Naginayani Cheruvuthanda of Somandepalli Mandal and studied at Vignan School, Somandepalli.

His parents, M. Jyothibai and M. Sreeramnaik, are devastated by the news. “He wanted to serve the nation, and he died doing what he believed in,” said Vasudev Nayak, a relative. The mortal remains of Murali Naik are expected to reach his village on Saturday, May 10, where the final rites will be conducted with full military honors. Minister Savita visited the bereaved family, offering Rs.5 lakh as immediate financial aid and said preparations are underway to erect a statue of the martyr at Gorantla circle as a tribute to his sacrifice.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu personally reached out to the soldier’s parents via phone, offering his deepest condolences and standing in solidarity with the grieving family. “The sacrifice of Murali Naik will never be forgotten. The entire nation salutes his bravery. The state government will stand by you in every possible way,” said the Chief Minister, urging the parents to remain strong in this hour of grief.