Vijayawada: Young Army Jawan Maruprolu Jaswanth Reddy killed in the encounter between security forces and a group of terrorists in Rajouri area of Jammu hailed from Dariwada Kothapalem village in Bapatla mandal of Guntur district.
In the fierce exchange of fire that followed at Daddal village in Sunderbani sector after security forces zeroed in on a group of militants who had infiltrated from across the border, Naib Subedar Sreejith and Jawan Jaswanth Reddy had got martyred.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed grief over the death of Jawan Jaswanth and announced Rs. 50 lakh ex-gratia for his family.
The 23-year-old Jaswanth Reddy had joined 17 Madras Regiment of the Army in 2016. After completion of training, he had been posted at Nilagiri and then transferred to Jammu and Kashmir.
His parents Srinivas Reddy and Venkateswaramma are in a state of shock after Army authorities informed them about the death of their son. Their relatives said the parents had recently decided to perform their son’s wedding. But their dreams have now been shattered. Relatives said they are waiting for Jaswanth Reddy’s body to arrive.
Mother Venkateswaramma said Jaswanth used to call her every evening. But she had not received any call about five days ago. Jaswanth called her the next day informing that he had been busy performing his duties. Venkateswaramma said when Jaswanth did not call on Thursday, she though he must be on duty. But they then received a phone call from military officials about his death.
The grieving mother recalled that Jaswanth had not even attended his sister’s marriage because of his duties. He instead informed them that he would make up when he would come to the village in August on leave.
Father Srinivas Reddy said they had hoped Jaswanth will take care of them in their older age. He said his son has instead sacrificed his life for the nation.
In his message of condolence, the AP Chief Minister eulogised the valour of Jaswanth Reddy, who has now become a martyr. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members.
Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan expressed grief and sadness over martyrdom of Army Jawan Jaswanth Reddy and offered his heartfelt condolences to members of bereaved family
AP home minister Mekathoti Sucharita expressed shock at the Jawan’s death and conveyed her condolences to the bereaved family.
