A Father’s Cry Echoes Across the Nation: Justice Demanded for Cadet Balraj Singh, Found Dead Under Suspicious Circumstances Aboard MV JILL GLORY.
||Black and White Digital News||
||Tejveer Singh April 18,2025 ||
New Delhi : In a heart-wrenching appeal that has shaken the conscience of the nation, Vikram Singh, father of 22-year-old Cadet Balraj Singh, has stepped forward with a desperate plea for justice. His only son, a young and ambitious Merchant Navy cadet, was found dead aboard the vessel MV JILL GLORY under deeply suspicious circumstances — a tragedy that the shipping company is attempting to label as suicide.
Balraj Singh, a first-time cadet with dreams of making his family and country proud, joined MV JILL GLORY on December 7, 2024. But just three months into his maiden voyage, on March 16, 2025, his family received the devastating news: their son was no more. Official communication cited suicide, but Vikram Singh firmly believes otherwise.
> “He was strong, hopeful, and full of life till the very end. He didn’t kill himself — they killed him, slowly, through relentless mental torture,” says Vikram, his voice trembling with pain.
According to Mr. Singh, his son was subjected to sustained mental, emotional, and physical harassment on board. In what he calls a “systematic breakdown of a young cadet’s spirit,” Balraj was reportedly bullied, overburdened with work, and denied essential training and support.
The Alleged Abusers:
Vikram Singh has named four individuals whom he accuses of leading this campaign of abuse against his son:
• Captain Amit Kumar Dhankar (Passport No: V0627245, CDC: MUM 109938)
• Chief Officer Raunak Sinha
• Third Officer Siddhant Santosh Vetal (Passport No: N5903433, CDC: MUM 275469)
• Able Seaman Avinash Singh Amarnath (Passport No: 23669379, CDC: MUM 141178)
Vikram has released damning evidence, including audio recordings and messages that depict a pattern of humiliation, neglect, and cruelty. “They denied him proper training, made him work beyond human capacity, and destroyed his morale,” he said.
Culture of Negligence and Lawlessness on Board:
The ship, according to Vikram Singh, was a hub of reckless behavior. “Alcohol parties were common. Safety protocols were thrown to the wind. It was no place for a young cadet,” he claims.
What’s even more disturbing is the apparent complicity and inaction from the recruitment and managing agencies:
1. Elegant Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. (RPSL-172), which recruited Balraj.
2. Fleet Management India Pvt. Ltd., responsible for ship management.
3. Ranvir Jatar, Designated Person Ashore (Tanker), who ignored all warnings and complaints.
Despite being provided with irrefutable evidence, none of the responsible parties have taken any action. No inquiry has been initiated against the alleged abusers, and no justice has been served.
A Nation-Wide Appeal for Justice:
Now, a broken but determined father is taking his fight to the people. Holding up the torch of justice, Vikram Singh is calling upon every Indian to rise in support.
> “If this was your son, would you stay silent?” he asks the country with tear-filled eyes.
“I am shattered, but I will not be silent. I want justice — not just for my son, but for every young cadet who dreams of the sea.”
Vikram urges people to share Balraj’s story, raise awareness on social media, and demand a fair and thorough investigation. “Let’s ensure no more young lives are destroyed due to negligence and cruelty on board ships,” he says.
A National Shame? Or A Call to Reform?
The case of Cadet Balraj Singh has sparked outrage across seafaring communities and families of aspiring maritime professionals. It raises grave questions about the safety, training standards, and mental health support available to cadets onboard Indian and foreign-flagged vessels.
Experts are now demanding stricter monitoring mechanisms, independent grievance redressal systems, and real-time mental health audits for seafarers — especially cadets on their maiden voyages.
The Final Words of a Brave Father:
“I don’t want revenge. I only want truth. I want justice. Nothing more. Nothing less.” — Vikram Singh, Father of Cadet Balraj Singh
As this story gathers momentum, the nation must now decide — will it let this father’s cry go unheard? Or will it rise to demand accountability and reform in the Merchant Navy sector?
