NDA Cadet Found Dead in Pune: Family Claims Harassment, Investigation Underway
A tragic event has unfolded at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, near Pune, following the death of an 18-year-old cadet under mysterious circumstances. The cadet, identified as Cadet Antariksh Kumar Singh from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, was a first-term trainee. He was discovered deceased in his hostel room on the morning of October 10, 2025, causing significant shock and grief within the academy and across the nation.
Reports indicate that fellow cadets began looking for Antariksh when he did not attend his morning training session. He was later found hanging from a bedsheet in his room. Emergency services transported him to the Military Hospital in Khadakwasla, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The Uttam Nagar Police have classified the case as an Accidental Death Report (ADR). Although no suicide note was found, initial investigations suggest a potential suicide, pending the post-mortem results.
The incident became more serious as Antariksh's family accused senior cadets of ongoing harassment, suggesting that ragging might have pushed their son to this drastic action. The family issued a statement to Pune Police claiming, "He had been mentally harassed by senior cadets for the past few days. We informed the academy officials, but they ignored our concerns. This unbearable harassment led him to this step. We demand justice.”
Antariksh, whose father is an ex-serviceman, had joined the NDA a few months ago with aspirations of becoming an officer in the Indian Air Force. His untimely death has deeply affected his family and peers.
The Pune Police confirmed that an ADR has been filed and investigations are in progress. A senior police official stated, “We are awaiting the post-mortem report and statements from all involved before commenting on the cause of death. The allegations of ragging are being taken seriously.”
In response, the NDA administration expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and has announced a Court of Inquiry to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the cadet’s death. The academy has promised full cooperation with law enforcement agencies and has offered support to the grieving family during this challenging time.
Both the Pune Police and the NDA Court of Inquiry are conducting investigations from various perspectives, including the family’s accusations of ragging, potential psychological distress, and institutional responsibility. The results of these investigations are awaited to uncover the truth behind the tragic loss of this promising young cadet.
