Pune: A drill Subedar Major at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, died due to cardiac arrest on Wednesday evening.
He had suffered a heart attack during the practice of the passing out parade (POP) which will be held on May 30. President Ram Nath Kovind will be the chief guest for the event.
The deceased Subedar Major (Honorary Lieutenant) Rajeev Kumar Rai (57) hailed from Khagaria in Bihar. He was from the 15th battalion of the Mahar Regiment.
He was posted to the NDA as the drill Subedar Major since October 2014.
As per a statement issued by the Defence PRO on Thursday, “The JCO was conducting the parade practice at the NDA Drill Square as a routine matter towards the end of term activities of the academy on the afternoon of May 23 (Wednesday). During the practice, he was motivating the cadets and was in full enthusiasm to prepare them for the POP of ST – 18; when suddenly he suffered severe pain in his chest. He was advised by the Adjutant to relax and proceed to the Military Hospital (MH) for a check-up. He walked out of the parade ground all by himself and was taken to the MH, Khadakwasla wherein he was stable. After a while, he consumed a glass of water and was made to lie down in order to rest. The JCO lost consciousness thereafter and could not be revived which was attributed to a fatal heart attack. It was later ascertained that he had already suffered a heart attack at the parade ground, which was the cause of severe chest pain.”
After a wreath-laying ceremony at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Wanawadi, his mortal remains were flown on Thursday to his native place in Bihar.
