The Ontario coroner has announced that an inquest will be conducted into the tragic death of an officer cadet, Absar Chaudhry, who took his own life while attending the Royal Military College last year. The decision to hold this inquest was prompted by Chaudhry’s family, who expressed concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death, feeling that the military had not provided satisfactory answers to their questions.
The 21-year-old cadet was discovered deceased in his dorm room in Kingston, Ontario, on November 30th. Following this heartbreaking loss, Chaudhry’s parents, along with their legal representatives, formally requested the coroner to investigate the conditions at the military college, and whether these conditions may have contributed to their son’s tragic passing.
In a significant development, Chaudhry’s family highlighted that the military had reportedly not acted upon a report submitted by former Supreme Court justice, Louise Arbour. This report had indicated instances of abuses of power and a toxic environment within the Royal Military College.
The Department of National Defence has confirmed that an internal board of inquiry has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding Chaudhry’s death. This inquiry is set to initiate witness interviews in the upcoming weeks, aiming to shed light on the events leading up to the cadet’s untimely demise.
The inquest, to be conducted by the Ontario coroner, will offer an independent review of the case, with a focus on understanding the factors that may have contributed to this tragic loss and whether systemic issues at the Royal Military College played a role. The inquest process aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the situation, addressing concerns raised by Chaudhry’s family and ensuring transparency in the investigation.
This case highlights the importance of addressing concerns related to the well-being of individuals within military institutions, ensuring that proper investigations are conducted in cases of such tragic events, and taking proactive measures to create a safe and supportive environment for all cadets and personnel.