Kerala: An Army officer was allegedly assaulted by a group of individuals following an incident of suspected food poisoning at a National Cadet Corps (NCC) camp in Kerala. The shocking incident occurred late last evening and has raised concerns about safety and discipline at such camps.
According to preliminary reports, several cadets and staff at the week-long NCC training camp, held in a rural area of the state, complained of severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting after consuming dinner. Suspecting food contamination, camp authorities immediately sought medical assistance. While most of the affected individuals were treated and stabilized, the situation escalated when tempers flared over the alleged negligence leading to the incident.
Witnesses claim that a group of unidentified individuals, allegedly including some camp participants, confronted the officer in charge, demanding accountability for the poor food quality. The confrontation quickly turned violent, resulting in the officer sustaining minor injuries. The officer was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment and is reportedly in stable condition.
The local police have launched an investigation into both the assault and the suspected food poisoning. “We have registered a case based on the officer’s complaint and are examining CCTV footage from the camp premises to identify the culprits,” said a senior police official.
The Army has also initiated an internal inquiry to determine the cause of the food contamination and the breakdown of discipline within the camp. “We take such incidents very seriously. The safety and well-being of all cadets and staff are our top priorities. Necessary measures will be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future,” stated a spokesperson for the Army.
Meanwhile, the incident has drawn sharp criticism from parents and local residents, who have questioned the overall management of the camp. “Such negligence is unacceptable. These camps are supposed to inculcate discipline and leadership qualities, not expose our children to health risks and violence,” said a parent of one of the cadets.
Food safety officials have collected samples from the camp’s kitchen and dining area for testing. The results are expected within the next few days, which will shed light on the source of the suspected food poisoning.
The NCC camp, attended by over 200 cadets from various schools and colleges in the region, was scheduled to conclude tomorrow. However, the program has been cut short in light of the events, with participants being sent home earlier than planned.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the need for stricter safety protocols and better oversight at NCC camps across the country. As the investigations continue, authorities are under pressure to ensure accountability and restore public confidence in these training programs.
