NDA civilian employee found dead, police suspect suicide

The incident comes months after death of two cadets of the tri-services academy were reported in two separate unrelated incidents in October last year. An 18-year-old first term cadet at the NDA lost his life during a swimming practice session on October 23.

A 31-YEAR-OLD civilian employee at the National Defence Academy (NDA) working as a cadet orderly was found dead on the academy campus on Thursday, in a suspected case of suicide. Police said the deceased took the extreme step due to financial issues.

“An unfortunate incident of unnatural death involving a civilian employee, Mayur Pawar (31), was reported on January 8 at the NDA, Khadakwasla. Around 5.45pm, Pawar, who was serving as a cadet orderly, was found unresponsive inside a furniture store. The incident was immediately reported to the concerned authorities,” said a press statement issued in this regard through the Defence PRO, Pune.

“Pawar was employed as a Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) and had rendered around 11 years of service. He was a resident of Lamanwadi, Khadakwasla, Pune. He was on duty in the Squadron at the time of the incident. Personnel from Uttamnagar police station reached the site and took over the investigation. The next of kin have been informed by the police authorities, and the mortal remains have been shifted to Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, for post-mortem examination as per due process,” the statement read.

“The police recovered a note indicating that the deceased was experiencing financial stress and no individual should be held responsible for the incident. The Commandant and all personnel of NDA stand by the bereaved family…and are extending all necessary cooperation to the family and the civil authorities,” said the release.

An officer from Uttamnagar police station said, “After receiving information from the NDA authorities, a team was sent to the location. Initial probe points to this being a case of suicide due to financial distress. Further investigation is on.”