Daijiworld Media Network – Pune

Pune, Oct 10: A first-year cadet of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, was found hanging in his hostel room early Friday, triggering shock and grief across the prestigious military institution.

The deceased, identified as Cadet Antriksh Kumar Singh (18) from Lucknow, had joined the NDA in July this year and was undergoing training under Charlie Squadron for the Indian Air Force. His family alleged that he had been harassed by seniors, a concern they had already raised with the academy authorities.

According to officials, fellow cadets discovered Singh hanging in his room around 6 am. He was rushed to the Military Hospital, Khadakwasla, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. No suicide note was recovered from the spot.

His family claimed that Antriksh had recently complained to his mother about harassment by some seniors and had expressed a desire to discontinue training. “His mother and grandmother had even visited the NDA before Navratri to report the matter. The authorities assured them of action,” said A.P. Singh, the cadet’s maternal uncle and a retired Army officer.

He added that Antriksh spoke to his mother on Thursday afternoon. “It seems something happened during a party in the evening which deeply upset him and may have led him to take the extreme step,” he said.

Police said there was no confirmation of ragging at this stage, though a formal Court of Inquiry has been initiated by the NDA to investigate the circumstances surrounding the cadet’s death.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Sambhaji Kadam is leading the probe, while the family is en route to Pune.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Cadet Antriksh Kumar Singh,” the NDA said in an official statement.