Slain Army jawan Murali Naik’s final rites performed amidst outpouring of grief and pride

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh are seen consoling the parents of slain jawan Murali Naik at Kalli Thanda hamlet of Gorantla mandal in Sri Sathya Sai district on May 11, 2025. Photo: Special Arrangement

The last rites of the slain Army jawan, Murali Naik (24), were conducted with military and State honours at Kalli Thanda hamlet of Gummayyagari Palli panchayat of Gorantla mandal in Sri Sathya Sai district on Sunday (May 11, 2025) afternoon.

Thousands of people from the combined Anantapur district thronged the hamlet to pay homage to the martyred jawan amidst an outpouring of grief and pride. The rural side of Gorantla mandal was smeared with floral showers, display of national flags, and slogans of “Bharat Mata ki Jai and Murali Naik Amar Rahe”.

Deputy Chief Minister Konidala Pawan Kalyan, IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Minister for BC Welfare S. Savitha, and Ministers Satya Kumar Yadav, and Anagani Satyaprasad, visited the jawan’s birthplace and offered floral tributes to the mortal remains of Naik, and offered condolences to the bereaved family members.

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and others pay tribute to slain soldier Mudavath Murali Naik, who was killed in the line of duty, in Sri Sathyasai district of Andhra Pradesh on May 11, 2025. Photo: X/@APDeputyCMO via PTI

Mr. Pawan Kalyan and Mr. Lokesh announced several welfare measures for the bereaved family. “On behalf of the State government, an ex gratia of ₹50 lakh will be provided to Naik’s family members. The government will also allot five acres of agricultural land and a 300-square-yard housing plot to his parents, the Deputy Chief Minister said.

Mr. Nara Lokesh said that Murali Naik’s father would be provided with a government job.

“Murali Naik’s loss is heartbreaking, but his supreme sacrifice will be cherished forever,” Mr. Lokesh said, adding that steps would be taken to erect a memorial in the district in his honour. Responding to the appeal of the villagers, Mr. Lokesh said that the renaming of Kalli Thanda as “Murali Naik Thanda” would be considered.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan announced that an amount of ₹25 lakhs would be provided to the Jawan’s parents from his personal funds. “The coalition government, and the three parties representing it, would stand by the bereaved family and support it in all possible ways,” he said.

Senior officials of the Indian Army from Bengaluru, District Collector T.S. Chetan, and Superintendent of Police V. Ratna were also present.

Earlier, the body of Naik reached Kalli Thanda from Bengaluru airport on Saturday (May 10) night. The journey took over eight hours due to the overwhelming turnout of people en route, paying tributes to the mortal remains.