Army officer assaulted after suspected food poisoning at NCC camp in Kerala. (Screengrab)
Kochi, December 31, 2024 – An Army officer was attacked at a National Cadet Corps (NCC) camp in Thrikkakara, Kochi, Kerala, on December 23. This happened after more than 60 cadets fell ill due to suspected food poisoning. Lieutenant Colonel Karneyil Singh, who is the administrative officer of the 21 Kerala NCC Battalion, was hurt by two people. These two individuals have now been arrested.
The attack took place at KMM College, where the NCC camp was happening. After hearing about the food poisoning cases, a protest broke out near the camp. During the chaos, two men, named Nishad from Fort Kochi and Navas from Palluruthi, entered the camp and attacked Lt. Col. Singh. He was injured on his cheek, neck, and back.
Thrikkakara Police Commissioner P. Vimaladitya confirmed the arrests, saying, “In the Thrikkakara camp incident, two people have been arrested for attacking an Army officer. The investigation is ongoing, and legal action will be taken against everyone involved.”
The NCC camp started on December 20 but was stopped after 107 participants got food poisoning on the fourth day. Many of them had to be taken to the hospital. The attack on the officer happened during a protest by parents and local political leaders about the food poisoning incident.
The accused have been charged under several parts of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including illegal entry, stopping someone wrongfully, threatening harm, and intentionally causing injury. The investigation is still going on, and officials have made it clear that violence against military staff will not be accepted.
The event has been widely criticized, with demands for a detailed investigation into the food poisoning and the attack that followed. The Additional Director General of NCC has asked a team led by a brigadier to prepare a report on the suspected food poisoning case.
As the investigation moves forward, authorities are working to ensure the safety and health of all NCC cadets and staff, while also addressing the worries of the families involved.
BY – NIKITA
