10 May,2025 10:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva Agashe
Soldier Murli Naik. PIC/X/@ShabrinZeenat
Kamraj Nagar, a residential area in Ghatkopar East, is in deep mourning after the death of 23-year-old Jawan Murli Naik, who was killed in arbitrary shelling by Pakistani forces in Kashmir on May 9. Naik, a soldier in the Indian Army, was recently posted in Uri, Kashmir. According to the Pant Nagar police, he had served for two years and received his training in Nashik. Before Uri, he was posted in Assam.
Ranga Naik, a relative, shows an image of Murli Naik
"Naik resided with his family near Chitra Dairy in Kamraj Nagar for over two decades. His father, Shriram Naik, and mother, Jyoti Naik, are currently in their hometown and have been informed of their son's death. The last rites will be conducted in their village in Andhra Pradesh tomorrow," said Pant Nagar Senior Police Inspector Rajesh Kelve.
Originally from Kallitanda village in Andhra Pradesh, Naik had moved to Mumbai with his family nearly 20 years ago. "The Naik family lived here with us. Both his father and mother did odd jobs, as their son had only one dream - wearing the uniform. His parents are extremely proud of him. We are in a state of shock. He has made the ultimate sacrifice," said Parmeshwar Kadam, a Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) leader.
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Madina Shaikh, a neighbour. PICS/RAJESH GUPTA
Locals say the family was informed around 3 am on Friday. Since then, the entire Kamraj Nagar community has been grieving. "He often told us he wanted to serve the nation. We never imagined he would be killed like this. His parents, now in Andhra Pradesh, are devastated," said Ranga Naik, 44, a relative.
"Since childhood, Murli had only one dream - joining the army. We are proud of him. His sacrifice will not go in vain," said Madina Shaikh, a local resident. Murli is survived by his parents. While Jyoti his mother worked as a house help, Shriram did menial labour to support the family.
