Pune: NDA Cadet Dies During Swimming Practice at Khadakwasla; Second Death in 15 Days
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 23rd October 2025: A first-term cadet, Cdt Aditya Dhanraj Yadav (18) from Bihar, lost his life during an organised swimming practice session on Thursday evening at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla. This marks the second cadet death at the academy within the past 15 days, raising serious concerns about training safety and supervision.
According to an official statement issued by the Defence PRO, Ankush Chavan, the incident occurred around 5:00 pm during a session meant for “weak swimmers,” held under the supervision of instructors. “The trainees were swimming along the width of the pool when Cadet Yadav was found suddenly motionless on the surface of the water. Observing his condition, two lifeguards immediately dove in and pulled him out,” the statement read.
Prompt CPR and medical aid were administered on-site, followed by immediate evacuation to the Military Hospital, Khadakwasla. Despite all efforts, the cadet could not be revived.
Cadet Yadav was from Bravo squadron and part of the 154th course at NDA. He had joined in July this year. He hailed from Katra Par in Muzaffarpur, Bihar.
“The National Defence Academy extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family. The civil police (Pune city police) and next of kin have been informed. A formal inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of the accident,” Chavan said.
The body has been sent for post-mortem examination.
This is the second fatality involving an NDA cadet in two weeks. Earlier this month, 18-year-old Cadet Antriksh Kumar Singh, a first-term trainee from Lucknow, was found dead in his hostel cabin in a suspected case of suicide on 10th October.
The National Defence Academy, located in Khadakwasla near Pune, trains cadets for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
