New Delhi: Ashish Dahiya, an IAS officer who drowned in a swimming pool while allegedly trying to save a woman friend on Monday night, was an ace swimmer who once swam across Bhakra Nangal dam in Himachal Pradesh, his family said.
Dahiya (30) was selected in the Indian Administrative Services in 2016. His training at the IAS Academy in Mussoorie concluded only a week ago. According to his uncle, Kuldeep, he was to join duty as an assistant collector in Srinagar from June 1.
A native of Sonepat in Haryana, Dahiya had earlier served as a DSP in Himachal Pradesh for over three years, however, he wanted to serve as an IAS officer. He attempted the UPSC exam and qualified for the Indian Revenue Service.
Dahiya served as an assistant commissioner with the Customs and Central Excise until last August before again attempting UPSC. This time he bagged a rank in top hundred and made it to the IAS league.
He had also won the director’s gold medal a fortnight ago during his training. Kuldeep, who said he was an ace swimmer, found it hard to believe that Dahiya could have drowned. Ishwar Singh, DCP (South) ruled out foul play saying doctors have cited drowning as the cause of death.
“Eyewitnesses said that a woman trainee slipped into the pool after which several young officers, including Dahiya, tried to rescue her. Though the woman was safely pulled out, the group noticed that Ashish was missing. He was found floating in the pool soon after,” said Chinmoy Biswal, Additional DCP (South).
