A 20-year-old woman who was undergoing Agniveer training with the Indian Navy died by suicide at the INS Hamla Navy base in Mumbai on November 27, 2023. The woman, who has been identified as Aparna V Nair, was a resident of Kerala.
According to police reports, Nair's body was found hanging from the ceiling of her hostel room. No suicide note was found at the scene, but police believe that she took the extreme step due to personal reasons.
The Indian Navy has ordered an inquiry into the incident. In a statement, the Navy said that it extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
This tragic incident raises concerns about the mental health of Agniveer trainees. The Agniveer scheme is a new recruitment scheme for the Indian Armed Forces that was launched in 2022. Trainees under the scheme undergo a rigorous six-month training program.
It is important to ensure that Agniveer trainees have access to adequate mental health support. The Indian Navy and the other armed forces should take steps to address this issue and prevent future tragedies.
