In a shocking incident at a National Cadet Corps (NCC) camp in Kochi, Kerala, two individuals were arrested on Monday for allegedly assaulting an Army officer. The attack on Lieutenant Colonel Karneyil Singh, the administrative officer of the 21 Kerala NCC Battalion, occurred following the hospitalization of over 60 cadets due to suspected food poisoning at the camp held at KMM College.
The accused, identified as Nishad from Fort Kochi and Navas from Palluruthi, were apprehended by the police at their homes after being identified by NCC officials. The assault occurred on December 23 when the cadets were affected by what was believed to be food poisoning. Following the incident, an FIR was filed on December 24, detailing how the two individuals entered the college camp, threatened Singh, and then proceeded to attack him around 11:30 PM.
According to the FIR, the first accused allegedly used a sharp object to stab Lieutenant Colonel Singh on his cheek, neck, and back, leaving him unable to perform his official duties. Singh was serving as the camp commandant for the Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC), organized by the 21 Kerala Battalion NCC.
The assault came at a time of heightened tension, following the suspected food poisoning that sent more than 60 NCC cadets to the hospital. Authorities have confirmed that the accused were charged with multiple offenses under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal trespass, wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation, and voluntarily causing hurt with dangerous means.
The police have also added charges related to hindering a public servant from carrying out official duties. In response to the suspected food poisoning incident, the Additional Director General of the NCC has ordered a thorough investigation led by a brigadier to submit a report on the matter.
This attack has raised serious concerns about the safety and security at NCC camps, and authorities are now focused on addressing both the assault and the health concerns among the cadets.
Sources By Agencies