Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife were among 13 killed after an IAF chopper they were travelling in crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu today.
“With deep regret, it has now been ascertained that General Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other persons on board have died in the unfortunate accident,” the Indian Air Force said in a tweet.
The crash happened at a distance of about 10 km from the helipad where it was to land. Earlier today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the incident. According to sources, Singh will brief Parliament on the incident tomorrow.
Sources earlier said that at least three injured people from the crash were taken to a nearby hospital. The crash took place in the Nilgiris, shortly after the Mi-series chopper took off from the army base in Sulur.
“I am shocked and anguished over the untimely demise of General Bipin Rawat and his wife, Madhulika ji,” President Ram Nath Kovind said in a tweet. “The nation has lost one of its bravest sons. His four decades of selfless service to the motherland was marked by exceptional gallantry and heroism. My condolences to his family,” he said.
In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Modi said that Gen Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier and a true patriot.
“He greatly contributed to modernising our armed forces and security apparatus. His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply,” Prime Minister Modi wrote.
He also said that as India’s first CDS, General Rawat worked on diverse aspects relating to armed forces including defence reforms. “He brought with him a rich experience of serving in the Army. India will never forget his exceptional service,” Modi tweeted.
Prime Minister Modi said that he was deeply anguished by the helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu in which General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other personnel of the Armed Forces were killed. “They served India with utmost diligence. My thoughts are with the bereaved families,” the prime minister said in a tweet.
In his condolence message, INC leader Rahul Gandhi said, “This is an unprecedented tragedy and our thoughts are with their family in this difficult time. Heartfelt condolences also to all others who lost their lives.” “India stands united in this grief,” he said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolence on the demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others.
“My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May God give them the strength to bear this tragic loss,” Shah said in a tweet.
“My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this accident. Praying for the speedy recovery of Gp Capt. Varun Singh, who is currently under treatment at the Military Hospital, Wellington,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a tweet. He also visited General Rawat’s residence earlier today.
You must log in to post a comment.