Son of labourers, 25-year-old Armyman from Andhra dies in Pakistan shelling on Line of Control

Murali joined the Army in December 2022, and was with the 851 Light Regiment. His parents, Mudavath Sriram and Jyothibai, worked as daily wagers in the construction industry in Mumbai, and returned to their village after Murali, their only son, joined the Army. He last came home on January 6 on a 15-day leave.

His cousin said that Murali called on the night of May 6 and informed his family that there was firing from across the border. “He called again yesterday (Thursday) night and said there was even heavier firing. He was worried about his parents. I told him to take care of himself and be safe, and assured him that we relatives will look after his parents. He sounded worried, which was never the case before. He described the constant shelling and firing from across the border,” Ranjit said.

Murali studied in Vigyan High School at Somandepalli, and it was “his dream to join the Army”, his father Sriram Naik said. “He loved the uniform very much. He was a friendly and easy-going person. As an Army jawan, he was highly motivated and proud to serve the nation.”

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over Murali’s death and called his parents to offer condolences.

He said the nation would remember the sacrifice made at the young age of 25. He assured the family that the state government would stand firmly by them and urged them to remain strong.

Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy also offered condolences, while hundreds of villagers gathered at the family residence to express solidarity with the family.