Fri May 09 16:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Andhra Pradesh Soldier Killed in Jammu and Kashmir Encounter
**GORANTLA, Andhra Pradesh:** A soldier from Sri Sathya Sai district, Murali Nayak, was killed in an encounter with infiltrators in Jammu and Kashmir. Nayak, hailing from Kallitanda village, Gorantla mandal, joined the army as an Agniveer in 2022. He was stationed in Nashik until recently, but was deployed to Jammu and Kashmir amidst rising tensions between India and Pakistan. He died in the early hours of Friday morning during an exchange of fire.
The news of his death was confirmed to his family on Friday morning by army officials. His parents and family members are mourning his loss.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed his condolences via X (formerly Twitter), praising Nayak’s sacrifice for the nation and offering his deepest sympathies to the family. The state government also presented a cheque of ₹5 lakh to Nayak’s family. Minister Savita visited the family to offer condolences.
Telangana Chief Minister K.T. Rama Rao and Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar also expressed their grief and offered condolences to the bereaved family. Mr. Kumar spoke to Nayak’s father, offering support from the central government.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and risks faced by Indian soldiers serving along the border.
First Piper 