Colonel Santosh Babu was among the 20 Indian soldiers martyred in the line of fire as the result of a violent face-off between them and Chinese troops along the LAC in eastern
My daughter-in-law is presently in Delhi. She informed us. They also announced that it was Colonel Santosh Babu. One way, I am sad. The other way, I am happy that my son laid down his life for the country. As mother, I am distraught, said the mother of martyr Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh who fought the Chinese soldiers in Ladakh.
Only son of retired bank manager B. Upender and homemaker Manjula, residents of Vidyanagar in the town, he was due for transfer to Hyderabad in September, they said.
“He was a meritorious student from school. He was focused on serving in the Army and joined Korukonda Sainik School, and then the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. My son won medals and fought for the country at the border, but died too young,” Mr. Upender said, expressing pride.
According to an Army officer who knew Santosh personally, the late colonel was known as a “braveheart” among his colleagues. He was transferred to Secunderabad recently and was to shift to the city.
The mortal remains of Santosh will be flown to Hyderabad on Wednesday, after which it will be taken to Suryapet road. A large number of locals are expected to attend the cremation.
