SINGAPORE : Second Sergeant Rajagopal Thirukumaran, one of 3 soldiers who died recently during training, may have pushed himself beyond his limit during the Ranger Course selection test, says his father.
This could have caused his son's death, said the father, adding that he hopes the military will tighten medical checks to better gauge the fitness of soldiers.
Rajagopal Thirukumaran's family and friends call him Kumaran.
After 6 weeks of grieving, Kumaran's family is still shocked by his sudden departure.
They were emotional and tearful when they talked about how they're coping without their beloved Kumaran.
Madam Vijayalakshmi, Kumaran's mother, said: "I'm still thinking he's still somewhere, never think he's dead because it is unbelievable. I miss him so much. I'm keeping my heart strong and hoping he'll reborn to one of my family and come back again."
Kumaran's father Rajagopal said: "At times, when I go to sleep, I used to think a lot. That's why I go back to work and keep my mind free a bit. If I'm alone, I'll think about him."
Kumaran's younger brother Kannan said: "Very emotional, if I think too deeply. So I just think that he's still around, just brave myself up and be there for my parents."
Kumaran had always wanted to be a commando just like his father.
He even wanted to bring glory to his father by making it to the Rangers Course.
His father, a first warrant officer commando, had tried for the course when he was young but failed the selection test.
Rajagopal said: "Maybe because of that - 'my father couldn't make it to the Ranger, I want to make it'. He told his CO he's doing it for his father. He went beyond the limit, he wanted to push for the best timing."
Rajagopal isn't looking forward to the forensic results of his son's death.
He hopes the authorities can tighten their medical screening and prevent such unfortunate incidents. - CNA
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