Soldier Murali Naik Sacrifices Life for Nation in Operation Sindoor
The 23-year-old Murali Naik joined the Indian Army on 29 December, 2022. He was of the 851 Light Regiment and availed 15 days’ leave from January 5 to 20. Unmarried, he’s the only son of mother M Jyothibai and M Sreeram Naik
Anantapur: Agniveer M. Murali Naik, 23, of the Indian Army, hailing from Pudagundlapalli thanda in Gorantla mandal of Satya Sai district in AP, sacrificed his life while defending the nation as part of Operation Sindoor in Jammu and Kashmir in the wee hours on Friday.
Naik had joined the Army in 2023 as an Agniveer and was with the 851 Light Regiment of the Indian Army's Northern Command. After training, he deployed in Assam and later transferred to Jammu. He had last come home in January.
According to information received by his father M. Sriram Naik, he sacrificed his life while fighting against the Pakistani Army on the border. His mortal remains will be shifted to the Kalli tanda in Gorantla mandal on Saturday.
His mother Jyothibai said Murali Naik had spoken to the family on Thursday. “He asked how we all were and if we had food. Told him we had,” she said. Naik was unmarried.
Naik’s parents, relatives and villagers were in tears, recalling the affectionate nature of Murali Naik who was close to everyone in the village. He came to his village in January on leave. Naik was born on August 10, 2002. The family was informed about the death of Naik by a telephone call from Delhi.
“My son died for the country. He fought for the country. What makes us sad is that I have only one son. We depended on him, and our support is gone. Now we have become orphans, my wife and I. Whatever the solution, I leave it to the country. Whatever decision it will take is up to the country,” Sriram Naik said.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who was on a tour of the Anantapur district on Friday, paid his tribute to Murali Naik, calling him a brave soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.
In a post on 'X', Naidu stated, "My homage to martyr Murali Naik who sacrificed his life for the country. I extend my deep sympathies to his family members."
The CM said, “The news of Naik's battle casualty on May 9, 2025, has brought a wave of sorrow to his village and the state. His dedication and sacrifices in service of the nation were deeply mourned.” He spoke to the parents of the soldier over the phone and promised them that the government would stand by them.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed shock over the sacrifice of Murali Naik. Minister Nara Lokesh expressed deep shock over the death of the soldier from Satya Sai district. "AP is proud of his sacrifices for the nation. His final rights will be performed with state honours," Lokesh announced.
The Satya Sai district administration said it would make necessary arrangements for the final rights. The mortal remains were expected to reach the village on Saturday.
