18-year-old NDA cadet found dead in Pune hostel; court of inquiry ordered

Antriksh's body was sent for post-mortem at Sassoon Hospital before being handed to the family. Police said no suicide note was found.

Eighteen-year-old National Defence Academy (NDA) cadet Antriksh Kumar Singh was found dead in his hostel room early Friday, in what authorities are treating as a suspected suicide.

His uncle, Ashwagaj Singh, during an interaction with the press, stated “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.”

Antriksh, a first-term cadet from Charlie Squadron who joined the NDA in July, hailed from Uttar Pradesh. His father, Ravipratap Singh, an Indian Army soldier posted in Assam, his mother Seema Singh, and uncle Ashwagaj Singh recorded statements with Pune police at Uttam Nagar station on Saturday.

Family members have informed the police that in August, Antriksh had struggled with NDA training but was persuaded by his mother and fellow cadets to continue.

According to the family, he spoke to his mother and younger brother on October 8, requesting a flight ticket for a course break in November. A brief call on October 9 could not continue as his mother was away. The next morning, NDA authorities informed his father that Antriksh had hanged himself.

His body was sent for a post-mortem at Sassoon Hospital before being handed to the family. Police said no suicide note was found.

The NDA has, meanwhile, issued a statement expressing grief, “The cadet, who was undergoing training, was found in lifeless condition in his cabin by fellow cadets. He was immediately rushed to the Military Hospital, Khadakwasla, where he was declared dead at 6.30 am".

It further noted, "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.”