Agniveer On Sentry Duty Dies By Suicide In Agra

A 22-year-old Agniveer from Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia district, identified as Srikant Kumar Chaudhary, allegedly died by suicide while on sentry duty at the Air Force Station in Agra late Tuesday night. Srikant had joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2022, reported The Indian Express.

A Board of Inquiry has been formed to determine the circumstances leading to Srikant’s death. IAF officers, who handed over his body to his family, informed them of the inquiry. Srikant was cremated at his native village, Narayanpur, on Thursday evening with a Guard of Honour by IAF personnel from the Bihar unit, the report said.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Agnineer Srikant was upset about not getting leave due to a lack of manpower at the Air Force Station in Agra.

Amit Kumar Maan, Station House Officer and in-charge of Shahganj police station, told Indian Express that Srikant’s elder brother Siddhant reached Agra on Wednesday evening to complete the paperwork.

“We have not recovered any suicide note. His family members have not lodged a complaint so far. We will probe the suicide if the family members register a complaint at Shahganj police station,” Mr Mann quoted as saying.

The Agniveer scheme is already under a lot of scrutiny after it had became a major talking point during the general elections. In his address in the Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has said the government consider the Agniveers as “use-and-throw labourers” and does not even give them the status of a “martyr”.

Rebutting Mr Gandhi’s arguments, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the scheme has been brought after a lot of thought.

Agniveer is a term associated with the Indian armed forces, referring to a new recruitment scheme called the “Agnipath Scheme” introduced by the Indian government in June 2022. Under this scheme, soldiers recruited into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force are referred to as Agniveers. The Agnipath Scheme is designed for short-term service, where Agniveers serve a four-year tenure. After this period, only a select few may be retained in the regular cadre, while the rest are discharged with a financial package and given priority in various civilian job opportunities. This scheme aims to reduce the average age of the armed forces, bringing in a more youthful, tech-savvy, and dynamic profile. During their service period, Agniveers receive rigorous military training to perform their roles effectively.

Upon completion of the four-year term, Agniveers receive a one-time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package. This package includes their contribution along with a matching contribution from the government and interest thereon. The scheme also ensures that Agniveers are provided with assistance for further employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors, including priority in certain government jobs and educational opportunities. The introduction of the Agnipath Scheme is part of the Indian government’s broader strategy to modernize the armed forces and make them more efficient and adaptable to contemporary security challenges.

(This news story may contain content to suicide and suicidal behavior. Such topics can be sensitive and may trigger emotional responses. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviors, we urge you to seek help immediately. Contact your local mental health crisis hotline, a mental health professional, or a trusted person in your life.

You may call 14416 or 1-8008914416 Tele MANAS service, a comprehensive mental health care service by the Government of India.)