Cadet at OTA commits suicide within a month of joining

New Delhi, Nov 5 (UNI) A young cadet at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, committed suicide this morning, less than a month after entering the institution, Army sources said.

Gentleman Cadet Azad, who had just entered the academy on October 9, was found hanging in his room at about 1100 hrs this morning, the sources said.

Azad had been in hospital from October 19 to 29, after falling into the swimming pool, but an endoscopy had revealed nothing wrong with him.

Even yesterday, he had complained of a stomach pain and had gone to the MI room, where he was given medicines and advised to rest today, the sources said, adding he had appeared normal this morning and had been present at breakfast.

However, according to the sources, Azad had spoken to his father, a retired Army Non-Commissioned Officer, and told him he wanted to quit the Army. His father Sgt (retd) T Nair had counselled him to wait till he got there and had a proper discussion with him.

Ironically, his father had arrived at the OTA today where he learnt the news. He told authorities at the OTA that his son had suffered from a kidney disorder called nephrotic syndrome, which had not been detected at the time Azad appeared for his tests.

Authorities have ordered a Court of Inquiry.

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