NCC starts probe into cadet’s death
Police sources said all guns used at the firing range were brand new and were used for the first time
KOZHIKODE: The NCC has started an investigation into the mysterious death of its cadet Dhanush Krishna, 17, at the Army Barracks, West Hill, here.
Brigadier Rajanish Sinha from Maharashtra directorate along with two other officials have begun a probe and are recording the statements of other cadets and officials who were present at the firing range at the time of the tragedy.
Brig Sinha told reporters here that the team would collect details of the probe from the police and would see whether there was a safety lapse on the side of NCC camp officials.
He said adequate compensation would be provided to Dhanush’s family in Pathanamthitta, whom they would visit after completing probe formalities here. Meanwhile, police continued its investigation and is conducting the scientific tests to ascertain the reasons.
Police sources said all guns used at the firing range were brand new and were used for the first time. The chances of misfiring or accidental firing from the gun are unlikely and the trigger could have been pulled by mistake or carelessness.
Police, however, said there was a procedural flaw on the part of NCC officials who were present there.
Body cremated amid tension
The cremation of Dhanush Krishna, the cadet who died at the NCC camp in Kozhikode, was held here at his ancestral home in Maloor village near Pathanapuram on Thursday.
The body was brought home by 4.30 am before being taken to the St. Stephen’s College, which he represented at the NCC camp, for the public to pay their last respects.
Commanding officers of various NCC battalions placed floral wreaths on the body. The cremation was held at 12 noon. NCC (Kerala and Lakshadweep) Major General C.P. Singh, who announced a compensation of Rs. 3.5 lakh to his family, said the investigation was still in the primary level. .
People had initially disagreed to shift the body to his home alleging disrespect by the government.
They staged a protest pointing out that no government representatives had visited since the body was brought from Kozhikode.
They ended their protest after they were assured that the chief minister would visit his home the next day. K.B. Ganesh Kumar MLA paid homage when the body was taken home from the college.
Demanding a comprehensive inquiry, he said it was mere disrespect that no government representative visited Dhanush’s home.