Assam Rifles rifleman V Teja, a native of Rayagada district in Odisha, died after suffering a gunshot wound while serving on operational duty in Nagaland. Teja, who served with the 15th Assam Rifles, died just two days before his 31st birthday. His mortal remains reached Rayagada on Tuesday, where hundreds of residents gathered to pay their final respects. Teja had planned to return home for Diwali and was preparing for his wedding in December.
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Key Facts
- Soldier: Rifleman V Teja
- Force: 15th Assam Rifles
- Native Place: Rayagada, Odisha
- Place of Duty: Nagaland
- Age: 30
- Date of Birthday: October 7
- Cause of Death: Gunshot wound during operational duty
- Funeral: Scheduled for Thursday at 7 am
- Family Event: Wedding planned for December
Mortal Remains Reach Rayagada
Teja joined the armed forces in 2022 and served with the 15th Assam Rifles. After his death, authorities transported his mortal remains to his native Rayagada.
The Army first flew the body by helicopter to Visakhapatnam. From there, an ambulance carried the remains to Rayagada.
Hundreds of residents gathered to honour the soldier when his mortal remains arrived. A large motorcycle rally also took place in his memory.
Residents Pay Tribute
The motorcycle procession began around 10 kilometres from Rayagada. Hundreds of people joined the rally and expressed their respect for the fallen soldier.
Participants carried out the procession with fireworks, DJ music and chants honouring Teja’s service and sacrifice.
Meanwhile, relatives, neighbours and local residents gathered outside his home to pay their final respects to the soldier.
Teja Was Preparing for Birthday and Wedding
Teja was scheduled to celebrate his 31st birthday on October 7. According to family members, he expected to return home for Diwali.
He was also preparing for his wedding, which relatives said was scheduled for December. His sudden death has left his parents and other family members devastated.
Naib Subedar Ravindra Kumar Naik of the 15th Assam Rifles accompanied Teja’s mortal remains to Rayagada.
He said his responsibility was to safely bring the soldier’s remains back to his family. He added that authorities would know more about the circumstances surrounding the death after the post-mortem examination.
Family Informed of Line-of-Duty Death
Teja’s maternal uncle told reporters that the family received information that the soldier died in the line of duty after suffering a gunshot wound.
However, officials are expected to establish further details following the post-mortem examination.
The circumstances have caused deep sorrow among Teja’s family, friends and residents of his hometown.
Soldier’s Organ Donation Wish Honoured
Teja had reportedly pledged to donate his organs around two years ago. Following his death, a local hospital collected and preserved his organs in accordance with his wishes.
His decision has added another dimension to the tribute surrounding his death, as his final wish could help save or improve other lives.
Leaders Pay Tribute
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over Teja’s death. He praised the soldier’s service and sacrifice for the country.
Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik also paid tribute to Teja. He described the soldier’s courage and sacrifice as a matter of pride for Odisha and the nation.
The district administration is preparing an official tribute for Thursday morning. Teja’s funeral rites are scheduled to begin at 7 am.
Recent Northeast Security Incident
Teja’s death comes days after an ambush near the India-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh on September 29. The incident killed Havildar Jankhokai Kuki and injured four others.
The latest incidents highlight the risks faced by security personnel serving in the strategically important Northeast.
Location Context
Rayagada is an important district in southern Odisha, while Nagaland forms part of India’s strategically significant Northeast region. Teja’s death has connected his hometown in Odisha with his final operational posting in the Northeast.
Questions and Answers
Who was V Teja?
V Teja was a 30-year-old Assam Rifles rifleman from Rayagada, Odisha.
Where did Teja die?
He died in Nagaland after suffering a gunshot wound while on operational duty.
Which unit did he serve with?
Teja served with the 15th Assam Rifles.
When was his birthday?
His 31st birthday was scheduled for October 7, two days after his death.
When will his funeral take place?
His funeral rites are scheduled to begin at 7 am on Thursday.
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