Army officer found dead in parking lot, suicide suspected amid ongoing internal inquiry

In a tragic incident, Lt Colonel Diwakar Kumar, an Indian Army officer, was found dead in the parking area of Khelgaon Housing Society in Ranchi on Tuesday morning. The police have launched an investigation into the case, with initial findings pointing towards suicide. The officer had reportedly been undergoing treatment for depression and was on medication, his family confirmed.

Upon receiving a distress call from residents of the society, a Khelgaon police team arrived at the scene and recovered the body. It was later sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. While suicide is being suspected, investigators are also looking into the possibility of an accident or any other external involvement.

"We are analyzing all possible angles to determine whether this was a suicide, accident, or if foul play was involved," said Gajesh Kumar, Officer-in-Charge of Khelgaon police station. Lt Colonel Kumar was a native of Muzaffarpur, Bihar, and was posted at the Army office in Namkum, Ranchi.

According to his family, the officer had gone for a walk on the terrace after dinner on Monday night. The next morning, his body was found by residents, who then informed the authorities. The incident has sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, with hundreds gathering at the scene. Khelgaon Housing Society is one of the largest residential complexes in Ranchi.

Lt Colonel Kumar had been on study leave between 2022 and 2024, during which he pursued a Master’s degree at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Ranchi University. His fellow students described him as cheerful and friendly, making the news of his death even more shocking.

Reports also suggest that during his study leave, he was caught in a controversy, prompting the Army to initiate an internal inquiry against him. The details of the controversy remain undisclosed, and it is unclear whether this had any connection to his death. Authorities continue to investigate the case from multiple angles while awaiting post-mortem results.