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. A court of inquiry has been ordered by the NDA. According to police, the cadet was found dead by his batch mates after he failed to report for morning training
The cadet's uncle said he was disturbed by the alleged harassment and had spoken about discontinuing his training. Representational pic
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. A court of inquiry has been ordered by the NDA.
According to police, the cadet was found dead by his batch mates after he failed to report for morning training. No note was recovered from the scene, but initial findings suggest suicide, a police officer said.
The 18-year-old cadet hailed from Lucknow and came from a family with an armed forces background, PTI reported. His father and uncle have served in the army.
“Everything was alright until he recently complained to his mother about harassment by some seniors. After that, the family took it to the authorities at the academy. His mother and grandmother went to the NDA before Navratri and pointed out the issue. The NDA authorities also responded and assured to take action,” the cadet’s maternal uncle said.
He further claimed that the cadet had spoken to his mother on Thursday afternoon and appeared 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.
His uncle also said that the cadet was disturbed by the alleged harassment and had spoken about discontinuing his training.
“He used to say that he did not want to continue at the academy,” he added.
In a statement, the NDA confirmed the cadet’s death and said an inquiry had 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 said.
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 said further investigation is underway.
(With PTI inputs)
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