A first-term cadet of the National Defence Academy (NDA) was found dead in his hostel room at the premier military training institute in Pune early on Friday, news agency PTI reported. Police suspect it to be a case of suicide.
The cadet’s family has alleged that harassment by seniors drove him to take the extreme step. Following the incident, a court of inquiry has been ordered by the NDA to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to police, the cadet was found dead by his batchmates after he failed to report for morning training. No suicide note was recovered from the scene, but initial findings suggest suicide, a police officer stated.
The 18-year-old cadet hailed from Lucknow and came from a family with an armed forces background. His father and uncle have served in the army, PTI reported.
Everything appeared normal until he recently complained to his mother about harassment by some seniors. After these complaints, the family took the matter to the authorities at the academy. His mother and grandmother visited the NDA before Navratri to raise concerns about the issue. The NDA authorities responded and assured them that appropriate action would be taken, according to the cadet’s maternal uncle.
The uncle further revealed that the cadet had spoken to his mother on Thursday afternoon and seemed normal during the call. “He spoke to his mother in the afternoon, but it seems something happened later in the evening as there was some party there. It seems something happened during the party which made him very sad and prompted him to take the extreme step,” he said.
He also mentioned that the cadet was disturbed by the alleged harassment and had expressed thoughts of discontinuing his training. “He used to say that he did not want to continue at the academy,” he added.
In an official statement, the NDA confirmed the cadet’s death and said an inquiry has been initiated.
“A first-term cadet died in the early hours of Friday. He was found in lifeless condition in his cabin by fellow cadets after he failed to report for the day’s training. He was immediately rushed to the Military Hospital, Khadakwasla, where he was declared dead at 6:30 am,” the statement read.
The NDA added that the cadet’s family and local police had been informed, and a court of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident. Police confirmed that further investigation is underway.