Soldier who exposed ‘sahayak’ system found hanging

An Indian Army soldier from Kerala, Lance Naik Roy Mathew was found dead near his camp in Nashik, Maharashtra, on Thursday, days after he had accused his seniors of harassment. The Army believes it was a suicide as the 33-year-old gunner from Kerala was found hanging from a ceiling fan in a room near Deolali Cantonment.

Mathew’s family suspects foul play

Mathew’s family suspects foul play and has demanded an inquiry. Mathew had claimed he was tortured and harassed after appearing in the video. His family said Mathew was kept in confinement since making the allegations, local Malayalam daily Mathrubhumi reported.

Goes missing from camp

Mathew had gone missing from his camp on February 25, a day after he appeared in the video that highlighted the prevalent “sahayak system” in the Army. The video clip had showed junior soldiers walking dogs of senior officers and taking their children to school. It was a British-era practice which was still continued in all its unjust forms. The video clip was widely shared on social media.