In a somber incident at the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Radar Observatory Air Surveillance unit in Odisha, a 35-year-old army jawan took his own life using his service rifle. The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Sunday at the facility located in Kiyarbanka village, Kendrapara district, leaving the armed forces and the local community in shock.
The deceased, identified as Sepoy Raj Sekharan hailing from Tamil Nadu, was reportedly on duty at the time of the incident. Authorities discovered him in a distressing state, lying in a pool of blood, around 2 am. Immediate efforts were made to provide him medical assistance, and he was swiftly transported to a nearby government-run hospital. Despite the prompt response, he was declared brought dead upon arrival.
The local police, led by Inspector Bimal Kumar Mallik of the Mahakalpada police station, are currently investigating the case. While initial findings suggest that the incident was a suicide, further investigations are ongoing to ascertain the complete circumstances surrounding Sepoy Raj Sekharan’s death. The service rifle involved in the incident has been confiscated and is undergoing thorough examination.
This tragic event has cast a shadow over the DRDO facility in Odisha, prompting calls for increased mental health support and resources for armed forces personnel. The loss of Sepoy Raj Sekharan underlines the critical need for addressing mental health challenges within the military community, ensuring that those serving the nation are provided with the necessary support and care to deal with personal and professional stresses.
As the investigation continues, the armed forces, along with the local community, mourn the loss of a soldier. Further details are expected to be revealed as the police probe deeper into the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident.
