A soldier from Andhra Pradesh was killed in heavy shelling by the Pakistan Army along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Murali Nayak, from Sri Sathya Sai district, died in the attack. He was serving on the front lines when the shelling occurred. Murali Nayak was from Kallithanda village in Gaddamthanda panchayat. His body is expected to return to his village on Saturday.
According to a report by The Hindu, an Indian Army jawan, identified as Murali Naik (27) from Kalli Thanda hamlet of Puttagundlapalle village of Gorantla mandal in Sri Sathya Sai district, was martyred during cross-border firing by the Pakistani forces along the LoC on the night of Thursday, May 8, 2025. Murali Naik, the son of Sri Ram Naik, came from a poor farming family in a tribal village in Gorantla. He was stationed at the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir when the Pakistan Army violated the ceasefire, launching heavy artillery and mortar attacks after India’s Operation Sindoor.
The young, unmarried soldier was severely injured and died while attempts to airlift him to New Delhi for treatment were unsuccessful. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the soldier from the state being martyred. “It is saddening to hear of the loss of life of a soldier named Murali Nayak from Gorantla Mandal, Penukonda Assembly Constituency, Sri Sathya Sai District in the defence of the country. Tributes to the martyr Murali Nayak, who laid down his life for the country. I express my deepest condolences to his family members,” the Chief Minister posted on X.
Minister Nara Lokesh also expressed deep sadness over Murali Nayak’s death while fighting in Jammu and Kashmir as part of Operation Sindoor. He praised Murali’s bravery and courage, calling it a source of pride for the state. Lokesh, the son of Chief Minister Naidu, announced that Murali’s last rites would be held with full state honours and promised all possible support to his family.
Murali Naik was a native of Kallithanda village in Gorantla Mandal of Sri Sathya Sai district in Andhra Pradesh. He completed his Bachelor’s degree at Somandepalli and joined the Indian army at a very young age along with a few others from the Gorantla mandal. Locals said Murali Naik was unmarried and the only child of his parents, Sriram Naik and Jyoti Bai, who were inconsolable upon learning about the demise of their only son at Jammu.
According to Gaddamthanda Sarpanch Vasudev Naik, Murali Naik lost his life in the line of duty while serving the Indian army in the frontline at the LOC as India intensified its counter-offensive against Pakistan as part of the ongoing Operation Sindoor to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Sources indicated that Murali Naik’s mortal remains would be brought to his native village and his final rites would be performed on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Andhra Pradesh governor S Abdul Nazeer, CM N Chandrababu Naidu, APCC chief YS Sharmila, and many others expressed anguish but hailed the sacrifice of the young Indian army jawan who laid down his life in line of duty while protecting the nation’s border and extended their condolences to the bereaved family.
The news of Murali Naik’s martyrdom has resonated deeply across the Penukonda Assembly Constituency in Sri Sathya Sai District, the region he called home. Naik's unwavering commitment and bravery in safeguarding the nation serve as a powerful symbol of his patriotism. Expressing his sorrow and solidarity, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu conveyed his heartfelt condolences via a post on X: "We pay heartfelt tribute to this valiant martyr, Murali Naik. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his grieving family during this time of immense loss. His sacrifice will forever be etched in our memories with profound gratitude and honour."
As tensions continue to escalate between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army has been engaged in retaliatory actions against Pakistani positions responsible for ceasefire violations. This latest incident marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, reflecting the dangers faced by soldiers stationed at the border. Murali Naik’s sacrifice has not only drawn attention to the ongoing hostilities but also highlighted the personal sacrifices made by soldiers and their families in the line of duty.
In the wake of Murali's death, the local community has come together to support his grieving family. Residents from Kalli Thanda and surrounding areas have visited to pay their respects, demonstrating the deep sense of loss felt throughout the region. The entire police administration has been engaged with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s visit to the Sri Sathya Sai district on Friday, where he is expected to announce ex gratia compensation for the bereaved family.
The mortal remains of Murali Naik are expected to arrive in Kalli Thanda on Saturday morning, May 10, 2025, for the final rites. As the community prepares to honor his memory, Murali Naik’s legacy as a dedicated soldier and martyr will undoubtedly inspire future generations.
