KANNUR: A 26-year-old trainee cadet of the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, died after being found unconscious in mysterious circumstances at the academic wing. The deceased has been identified as Gudeppa Sooraj hailing from Malappuram district.
He allegedly fell unconscious after falling from a building. An inquiry has been ordered by the Southern Naval Command into the incident.
In a press statement, R G Ajith, Public Relations Officer, INA, said the cadet was found in an unconscious and unresponsive state on the floor of the academic wing by a duty sailor instructor at 5.30 pm on Wednesday.
“He was rushed to the ICU of the Indian Naval Hospital Navjivani and administered IV Fluid resuscitation. He was later shifted to the Pariyaram Medical College Hospital. The cadet developed two episodes of cardiac arrest in the hospital. All efforts to revive the cadet by the medical specialist failed and was declared dead at 2.30 am on Thursday,” he said.
The family of the deceased cadet has cried foul over the incident. According to the Payyanur police, the cadet’s brother Sanoj has given a statement alleging suspicion on the death. “His brother has given us a statement alleging suspicion on the death. We have registered a case for unnatural death and a probe is on. Further details could be divulged only after getting the post-mortem report,” said an officer.
According to the family members, Sooraj suffered mental and physical torture at the hands of the Naval Academy authorities. Sooraj initially joined Navy as a sailor in 2010. He later passed the officers’ test and joined the INA for training in 2013.
They said Sooraj was expelled from the INA by the authorities after alleging he secured selection fraudulently. Sooraj then moved the Kerala High Court and got a favourable order February last. Although he rejoined the INA, family members alleged Sooraj suffered continuous torture in the academy.
Meanwhile INA authorities have denied the charges of any foul play.