More than a month after the death of 20-year-old Agniveer Akashdeep Singh in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army has informed his family that he died by suicide. But the family isn’t convinced — and is now demanding justice, recognition, and full disclosure from both the Army and the Punjab government.
Akashdeep Singh, a native of Kothe Chahal village in Faridkot district, died on 15 May 2025. His family says they were initially told he died of a bullet injury. But it was only on 15 June — a full month later — that they were informed that he had allegedly shot himself in the head with his service rifle while on duty near Awantipora, Srinagar.
Initial Silence, Then a Shocking Revelation
Balwinder Singh, Akashdeep’s father, recalls the morning of 15 May vividly.
Around 10 AM, I received a call from his company commander, who said Akashdeep had died of a bullet injury. He didn’t elaborate and disconnected. After that, our calls went unanswered until about 11:30, when they finally confirmed his death. At 4 PM, they called again to ask if we could bring the body home.Balwinder Singh (Father of Akashdeep) told The Quint
Akashdeep’s body was brought home the next day by Army personnel. He was cremated with military honours, but, as his father noted, “he was given a gun salute, but bullets were not fired.”
The family’s world turned upside down again on 15 June, when they travelled to Srinagar to visit the site of Akashdeep’s death. There, the commanding officer of the 42 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), with whom Akashdeep was posted, told them he had died by suicide.
“We were shocked. We were never told this before. We were shown the jungle where they said he shot himself, but how can we believe it now, after so long?” said Balwinder.
‘Our Son Would Never Take His Own Life’
The family flatly rejects the Army’s version of events.
He was cheerful, full of life. A day before his death, he called us and spoke with me and his mother. He even helped organise a farewell party for a colleague. Why would he take such a step?Balwinder Singh, Father of Akashdeep
Akashdeep’s mother, 45-year-old Karamjit Kaur, is inconsolable and unwell since his passing. She regularly calls the unit’s CO, demanding the truth.
“Now they are saying he fought with a girl over the phone. But she already met us and told us she was just a friend from their athletics group. There was no relationship, no fight. First, they said he had a fight with us, now with her. What are they hiding?” she asked, speaking to The Quint.
The family also alleges they were not allowed to speak to any of Akashdeep’s colleagues and were taken to meetings in bulletproof vehicles without being told the names of senior officers present.
No Recognition, No Compensation
The family’s pain has been compounded by what they see as total neglect by the Punjab government. While previous Agniveers from the state who died in similar circumstances received official recognition and financial compensation, Akashdeep’s family has received none of that so far.
“When Agniveer Amritpal Singh died by suicide in 2023, the Punjab government announced ₹1 crore compensation. But for Akashdeep, nothing. He hasn't even spoken about it,” said Balwinder.
The family also met officials at the Punjab CM's office in Chandigarh on 13 June, but Mann did not meet them. According to them, Speaker Kultar Sandhwan visited their house six times but said nothing about compensation.
So far, the family has only received a cheque of ₹48 lakh — but has been told they won’t receive insurance or further benefits because the death is classified as suicide.
“CO told us we would have received ₹44 lakh more had it not been a suicide. They’ve denied all other facilities and benefits,” said Balwinder.
They’re also raising concerns about a relative — an Army man — who allegedly made them sign documents and took cancelled cheques, promising salary transfers, which never happened.
Family Cites Other Agniveer Suicides
Akashdeep’s case isn’t isolated. His father pointed out two other recent deaths of Agniveers from Punjab under similar circumstances:
On 11 October 2023, Agniveer Amritpal Singh (21) from Mansa district died due to a self-inflicted gunshot while on sentry duty in Rajouri.
On 22 January 2025, Agniveer Lovepreet Singh (24) from Aklia village died in Kupwara when his service rifle allegedly went off accidentally.
“Why are all these young men from Punjab dying this way?” asked Balwinder.
Unanswered Questions, Delayed Reports
The family is still waiting for Akashdeep’s post-mortem report and death certificate. They’ve been told it may take 2–3 more months. According to SHO Sadar Awantipora, Akashdeep’s weapon has been sent to Chandigarh for forensic testing — but the family will not be given access to the report or his belongings.
“We were told we will only get his phone, uniform, and wallet later. But what about the truth?” said Balwinder.
Akashdeep, a B.Com second-year student at University College, Jaito, had been a promising sprinter — winning medals in 100m and 200m races at school, college, and in his unit in Hisar. He was recruited in Ferozepur, trained in Ahmednagar, and later posted to 42 RR in Srinagar.
His father, a farmer, lives with his wife and younger son — and says the family refuses to immerse Akashdeep’s ashes until they get the truth and official recognition for what they believe was his sacrifice.
The Quint has reached out to the Indian Army for official comment. This article will be updated if and when a response is received.