Odisha Rifleman Dies in Nagaland Duty Incident

Kohima: Rifleman V Teja died Monday after taking a bullet during operational duty in Nagaland. The 31-year-old served with the 15th Assam Rifles. He joined the forces in 2022. Doctors declared him dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Teja was two days away from his birthday on October 7. He planned to head home for Diwali. He held a wedding date for December 10. His maternal uncle confirmed the family received notice he died in the line of duty. Naib Subedar Ravindra Kumar Naik of the 15th Assam Rifles stated, "My responsibility was to bring Teja's remains to his family." He added that post-mortem results would clarify the circumstances.

Teja pledged to donate his organs two years ago. A local hospital collected them following his death. His remains traveled by helicopter to Visakhapatnam and then by ambulance to Rayagada. A massive motorcycle rally greeted his body Tuesday. Hundreds marched with fireworks and music, chanting, "Long live the martyred soldier."

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik offered condolences for the fallen soldier. The district administration will honor Teja Thursday morning. Funeral rites begin at 7 am.

This loss follows an ambush near the India-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh on September 29. That attack killed Havildar Jankhokai Kuki and wounded four others.