Double Tragedy: Army and Air Force Officers Die by Suicide

An Indian Air Force Flight Lieutenant, identified as Deendayal Deep, and his wife, an Indian Army Captain, Renu Tanwar, have died by suicide, authorities reported. These tragic incidents occurred 240 kilometers apart, adding a layer of complexity to an already heart-wrenching situation. Both officers requested in a suicide note to be “cremated together, hand-in-hand.”

This distressing sequence of events began when Deep, who was stationed at the Kheria Air Force Station in Agra, was found dead in his residential quarters. The officer, originally from Bihar, was discovered hanging on Monday evening after failing to appear for duty the following morning. His colleagues, concerned by his absence, forced entry into his room where they made the grim discovery. No suicide note was found at the scene.

Subsequently, Renu Tanwar, residing separately at the Garouta Officers Guest House in Delhi Cantonment, was found dead by hanging on Tuesday night. Her body was discovered by the staff at the guest house. Her suicide note, recovered from the scene, revealed her wish to be cremated alongside her husband — a testament to their bond, also reflected by their love marriage in 2022.

The Delhi Police were informed of the incident on Wednesday. Despite the diligent work of investigators, they have yet to determine the motive behind Deendayal Deep’s suicide, as reported by multiple sources. However, the overlap in timing and nature of the two events suggests a profound emotional connection between the pair.

In response to this tragedy, the police and both the Army and Air Force authorities emphasize the importance of mental health awareness and support within their ranks. Efforts are underway to provide counseling and support services to colleagues and affected family members. Deep’s colleagues noted that he had engaged in regular conversations during dinner the night before his death, showing no apparent signs of distress.

The incident underscores the importance of mental health and the need for readily accessible support mechanisms for service members. For those in need, organizations such as the Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health and TISS iCall offer support services.