Cricket coaching student drowns in Haryana sports varsity pool; kin allege murder

Sonipat: Nishant Gautam, a 30-year-old pursuing post-graduate (PG) diploma in cricket coaching at Haryana Sports University in Rai, Sonipat, drowned in a swimming pool on the campus Thursday night. His family has alleged murder. Police have launched an investigation.The incident occurred around 8:30 pm when Gautam, who belonged to Palwal, entered the pool after a cricket session. He was retrieved from the water and rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead. While the university administration termed the incident an accident, the family has alleged Nishant may have been "deliberately drowned" and demanded an impartial investigation. Gautam's uncle, Kuldeep Kumar, said Gautam was an experienced swimmer who regularly performed deep dives. Kumar alleged inconsistencies in statements made by university officials and coaches. "We were told that two boys and two girls were present with Nishant at the time. If other students were there, why was the administration informed so late?" he asked. Vice-chancellor Dr Ashok Kumar said six to seven students were present in the pool at the time of the incident. He said it was possible other students had left to change clothes while Gautam remained in the pool. The VC said a fact-finding committee headed by former Maharishi Dayanand University sports director R P Garg had been constituted to investigate the incident. ACP Vipin Ahlawat said police reached the spot along with the SHO of Rai police station and a forensic team. A medical board was constituted for the postmortem at the family's request. The body was handed over to the family after the autopsy. "Action is being taken based on the statements given by the deceased student's family," he said. Gautam had been staying in the university hostel. He got married three years ago and is survived by a three-year-old son. His wife is currently three months pregnant. Family members said Nishant was the eldest among his siblings. MSID:: 131264018 413 |