Rayagada, Oct 7 (UDN): Assam Rifles jawan V Teja, who succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during operational duty in Nagaland, was cremated with full military honours at Swargadwara in Siriguda, Rayagada, on Wednesday.
The final rites drew a large gathering of residents, youths and ex-servicemen, who assembled to pay their last respects to the soldier and honour his sacrifice.
Teja’s mortal remains had reached Rayagada late Tuesday night after being transported from Visakhapatnam by ambulance. Earlier, his body was flown to Guwahati and subsequently taken to Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam before being brought to his hometown.
Guard of Honour Before Final Rites
Rayagada Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni and Superintendent of Police paid floral tributes to the jawan before his final journey.
The Assam Rifles personnel accompanying the mortal remains accorded Teja a Guard of Honour as part of the military funeral.
Local residents gathered along the route to bid a final farewell to the soldier, with many expressing solidarity with his family and saluting his service to the nation.
Joined Assam Rifles in 2022
Teja, a resident of the Katur area of Rayagada town, had joined the force in 2022.
According to reports, he sustained gunshot wounds while performing operational duties in Nagaland. He was subsequently admitted for treatment but succumbed to his injuries.
His death has left his family and the local community in deep grief.
Final Farewell on His 31st Birthday
In a poignant coincidence, Teja was cremated on what would have been his 31st birthday.
The jawan was also reportedly scheduled to get married in December this year, adding to the tragedy surrounding his untimely death.
As Rayagada bid farewell to the young soldier, his family, fellow personnel and residents remembered him for his service and the sacrifice he made in the line of duty.