AP Soldier killed in line-of-duty accident in Dehradun

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Tragedy struck Andhra Pradesh after a Telugu soldier serving in the Indian Army lost his life in a fatal accident while on duty in Dehradun. Rapeti Poornachandrasekhar, a native of Venkupalem village in Anakapalli mandal, died late Saturday night in what is being described as a tragic on-duty mishap.

The 37-year-old soldier was serving as a Naik in the Indian Army and had been posted in Dehradun. According to family members, the accident occurred while he was travelling in a military truck as part of his official duties. Preliminary information suggests that a structure or arch suddenly collapsed during transit, leading to his death on the spot. Another soldier from Nagaland is also reported to have died in the same incident. However, an official statement from the Army regarding the exact circumstances of the accident is still awaited.

The untimely death of the soldier has plunged his family and native village into deep grief. Poornachandrasekhar is survived by his wife Gracy, a five-year-old son, and a two-year-old daughter. Family members said he had shifted his wife and children to Dehradun barely a month and a half ago, hoping to spend more time with them while continuing his service to the nation. The sudden tragedy has left the family devastated.

Soon after the news broke, Jana Sena constituency in-charge Bheemarasetty Ramakrishna visited the bereaved family at their residence in Venkupalem and offered condolences. Local MLA Konathala Ramakrishna reportedly spoke to senior Army officials in Dehradun and is coordinating efforts to bring the soldier’s mortal remains back to his native village.

A pall of gloom descended over Venkupalem as villagers mourned the loss of the young Army man, remembering him as a disciplined and dedicated soldier who served the country with pride. Residents gathered at his residence to console the grieving family, while many expressed anguish over the tragic manner in which his life was cut short.

The mortal remains of the soldier are expected to reach Andhra Pradesh shortly, following which final rites will be conducted with full honours.