NDA cadets punished for consuming alcohol

These eight cadets, on their return to the academy recently, were put under restriction, as per rules set by the Adjutant Branch Discipline Policy. The punishment involves restriction of movements of the cadets and increased physical exercises. Sources said some of the cadets had also created a ruckus, but senior officers did not confirm this information.

A senior Army officer confirmed, on the condition of anonymity, that action had been taken against the cadets. The officer said, “Let us not assume that the majority of the cadets are like this, specially because this is a second such incident. These are a very few, among a large number of extremely hardworking and talented cadets who are India’s future military leadership. All three current service chiefs are NDA passouts.”

He added, “But it is undoubtedly a matter of concern, specially considering the extreme level of physical training these cadets undergo. Alcohol consumption can have serious health risks in such cases. There have also been cases of students caught smoking and this needs to stop. We understand that these are young boys who are full of energy and they may like to have fun sometimes. But the restrictions are for a reason.”

In another such incident, a sixth-term cadet of the NDA had sustained grievous injuries after he tried to scale a wall and hide from staffers because he was in an inebriated state. The incident had taken place on the afternoon of March 6, during Holi celebrations. Officers from the Adjudant’s office and training branch had found out that the cadet and eight others were consuming alcohol in their squadron hostel. Similar disciplinary action was taken against the cadets and they were also stripped of their academy appointments.

NDA spokesperson could not be contacted for comments as his phone was switched off. NDA, the premier tri-services training institute of the country, is considered one of the best in the world for its training standards and discipline.