Family of Deceased Soldier Continues Struggle for Justice and Entitlements

In a poignant tale of loss and perseverance, Jyothibai Naik, a resident of a small village in Andhra Pradesh, remains unaware of the grandeur of Delhi’s India Gate, yet her heart is tethered to the capital through the memory of her son, Mood Muralinaik. The 24-year-old Agniveer tragically lost his life during cross-border shelling on May 9, 2025, amidst a tense four-day conflict between India and Pakistan. Just last month, his name was etched on a wall at the National War Memorial, but this recognition has brought little solace to his grieving parents.

Despite the honor bestowed upon their son, Jyothibai and her husband, Shriramnaik, have been left in the dark about this tribute. “We learned about it from journalists, not from any official communication from Delhi,” Jyothibai lamented during a phone conversation. The emotional distance from the nation’s capital is palpable, amplified by their ongoing struggle to secure the entitlements that should accompany the sacrifice of their beloved child.

The couple’s battle has extended beyond mourning to a fight for justice and recognition from the Indian government. They seek the same benefits that other families of soldiers who have died in military service receive, including a lifelong pension, health insurance, and various subsidies. Jyothibai has even taken the extraordinary step of filing a petition in the Bombay High Court, calling for the extension of these benefits to her family.

In a country where military families are often celebrated and supported, the Naiks’ plight highlights a significant gap in the system. The Agniveer scheme was launched to attract young individuals to serve in the Indian Armed Forces, but the case of Mood Muralinaik raises questions about the implementation of benefits and the support provided to the families left behind. As the Naiks await a response from the government, they are not just fighting for financial aid but also for recognition of their son’s sacrifice and the dignity that should accompany such service.

This situation serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families and the need for a robust support system that ensures they are not left to fend for themselves. As Jyothibai and Shriramnaik grapple with their loss, their story resonates with many across the nation, prompting a call for accountability and change.

Source: scroll.in