Army orders inquiry into woman officer suicide episode

Jammu, June 17 (UNI) Army has ordered a high-level inquiry into the cause and circumstances which led to the Army Service Corps (ASC) lt Sushmita Chakraborty to commit suicide at Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur on June 15.

Denying any harassment at the workplace, Command Brigadier (Nagrota) K K Chopra told the mediapersons last evening that it was a case of depression.

He said a high-level inquiry has been ordered to find out the cause and circumstances which led to the tragic incident.

Sushmitra Chakraborthy, daughter of P B Chakraborthy, was commissioned into the Indian Army in September, 2005 and posted with 5071 ASC Battalion as platoon commander. She had allegedly committed suicide on June 15 afternoon in the guest room of officers mess by shooting herself from guard's gun, which was taken by her on the pretext of carrying out training for young officers course.

Brigadier Chopra said it was also revealed that the lady officer was depressed due to low self-esteem. She was provided counselling by a qualified psychiatrist for 15 days and subsequently granted 30 days of annual leave. While on leave, she requested for further extension of leave by 30 days, which was granted. She had resumed the unit on June 1 and was accompanied by her mother.

Senior army official also furnished the reports of senior psychiatrist Col. Vijay Pandey, who had examined her during her bouts of depression.

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