Naik D Rajesh

Naik Dokkari Rajesh hailed from Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh and was born in 1999. Son of Shri D. Chittiwadu, Naik Dokkari Rajesh had a younger brother named Madhusudhan. Nk Rajesh studied up to Class 10 at Dandugoplapuram and completed his intermediate education at Basara Degree College in Visakhapatnam. He also earned his ITI diploma from Tekkali. From a young age, he aspired to join the Indian Army as many youths from the region were serving in the Armed Forces. Pursuing his dream alongside his studies, he was eventually selected to join the Army in August 2018 at the age of 19. 

After serving for a few years, with his parent unit, he was deputed to serve with the 10 Rashtriya Rifles battalion deployed in Jammu & Kashmir for counter-insurgency operations. By 2024, Naik D. Rajesh had completed about six years of service and had evolved into a committed soldier. He had also gained experience in numerous counter-insurgency operations during his short service career.

Doda Encounter (J&K): 15 Jul 2024

During 2024, Nk D Rajesh’s unit, the 10 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), was actively engaged in anti-insurgency operations in the Doda district of Jammu & Kashmir. Operating under the Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta Force and the operational control of the XVI Corps, also known as the ‘White Knight Corps’, the unit was responsible for a vast and challenging area, from the Pir Panjal Ranges to the Shivalik Ranges and the plains of Jammu and Akhnoor. The region was known for militant activity and infiltration, necessitating frequent operations and patrols. On July 15, 2024, based on intelligence reports about the presence of hardcore terrorists in their Area of Responsibility (AOR), the unit, along with the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police, launched a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the Dhari Gote Urarbagi area of the Desa forest belt, approximately 55 km from Doda town.

The operation was conducted in a thickly forested and mountainous area, which posed significant challenges. Despite these difficulties, the joint team proceeded with the operation, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining security and combating terrorism in the region. As planned the joint team reached the suspected area in Doda district of J&K and launched the cordon and search operation. Soon the troops comprising Nk D Rajesh and other soldiers made contact with the terrorists who opened fire at them on being challenged. The troops led by Capt Brijesh Thapa tried to tighten the cordon to block the escape routes of the terrorists and attacked aggressively. However the terrorists attempted to escape by exploiting the restricted visibility and rain resulting in another exchange of fire at 9 pm. The ensuing gun battle, was fierce and fraught with risk as the terrorists were using automatic weapons and also taking advantage of the thick foliage of the forest. Undeterred by the risk involved, Nk D Rajesh and his comrades continued to lead his men to chase the terrorists and pin them down. However, in the heavy exchange of fire, Nk D Rajesh and three other soldiers including their leader got severely injured. They soon succumbed to their injuries and were martyred. Besides Nk D Rajesh, the other three martyred brave hearts included Capt Brijesh Thapa, Sepoy Bijendra, and Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh. Nk D Rajesh was a valiant soldier who laid down his life at a very early age of 25 years in the service of the nation.

Naik Dokkari Rajesh is survived by his father Shri D Chittiwadu, mother and younger brother Shri Madhusudhan.