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Journalism of Courage
Family members of the 18-year-old cadet, who is suspected to have died by suicide at the National Defence Academy, on Saturday recorded their statements before the Pune city police.
The cadet, identified as Antriksh Kumar Singh, was found dead at his hostel room in NDA early Friday.
Hailing from Uttar Pradesh (UP), Antriksh was a first-term cadet from Charlie Squadron at the NDA. He joined the academy in July this year.
His father Ravipratap Singh, an Indian Army soldier posted in Assam, his mother Seema Singh and uncle Ashwagaj Singh, visited the NDA and also recorded their statements before the Uttam nagar police station on Saturday.
Speaking to media persons, Ashwagaj Singh said, “Antriksh always wanted to serve the country. He wanted to join the NDA since Class 10. He wanted to fly. His dream to fly was related to his name.”
“He spoke to his mother around 4pm on October 9. What happened in a few hours that he ended his life? We demand that steps should be taken that such incidents do not repeat again. Why was there so much pressure that he reached a point where he decided to take his own life?” said his uncle.
In their statements to the police, family members said in August this year, Antriksh had told them that he was unable to undergo the training at NDA. According to his mother’s statement, she had then gone to NDA and spoken to Antriksh. The mother and other cadets had then convinced Antriksh, and he agreed to stay at the NDA, the statement mentioned.
As per the statement, Antriksh called his mother on October 8 and asked her to book his flight ticket as there was a course break on November 30. He also spoke to his younger brother Abhinav. He spoke normally and did not tell his family members about any problems, as mentioned in the statement.
The statement further said that on October 9, Antriksh called his mother but as she was in the market, she could not talk to him properly and said she would call later. On the morning of October 10, the NDA authorities informed Antriksh’s father that he hanged himself.
Family members reached Pune and spoke to the NDA officials on Friday. Meanwhile, his body was taken to the Sassoon hospital for post-mortem and later handed over to his family members.
Police said Antriksh did not leave behind any suicide note. As per legal procedure, an accidental death report was lodged at the Uttam nagar police station regarding the suspected suicide and a probe was launched to ascertain the cause behind the death of the NDA cadet.
Senior police inspector Mohan Khandare of Uttam Nagar police station said, “We recorded the statement of the deceased cadet’s parents and uncle. They have not made any complaint of harassment. NDA is conducting a probe into the incident.”
However, while speaking to The Indian Express, Ashwagaj Singh suspected that some seniors had harassed him. “A proper inquiry should be conducted,” he said.
The NDA expressed regret over the incident. “The cadet, who was undergoing training, 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,” said a statement issued by the defence PRO on Friday.
“The next of kin and the local police have been informed. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident. The NDA fraternity expresses its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief,” it added.
The NDA trains future officers for the Army, Navy and Air Force after their selection through an all-India examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), followed by Service Selection Board interviews and medical fitness tests.
