The chopper, with a total of 14 persons on board, took off from the Sulur air base near Coimbatore and was on its way to Coonoor. When the chopper was a few minutes away from landing, it, as per eyewitnesses, hit a tree, crashed, and caught fire, resulting in several casualties
Bipin Rawat. File Pic
India's first Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 11 others were killed when their IAF Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris district on Wednesday, the IAF announced.
ADVERTISEMENT
"With deep regret, it has now been ascertained that Gen 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.
With deep regret, it has now been ascertained that Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other persons on board have died in the unfortunate accident.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 8, 2021
PM Narendra Modi called CDS General Bipin Rawat a true patriot and said India will never forget his exceptional service.
As India’s first CDS, Gen Rawat worked on diverse aspects relating to our armed forces including defence reforms. He brought with him a rich experience of serving in the Army. India will never forget his exceptional service.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2021Gen Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier. 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. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/YOuQvFT7Et
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2021
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray also expressed heartfelt condolences over the demise of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and other officers.
संरक्षण दल प्रमुख जनरल बिपीन रावत, त्यांच्या पत्नी व सोबतच्या लष्करी अधिकाऱ्यांच्या झालेल्या दुर्दैवी मृत्यूने संपूर्ण देश विषण्ण झाला आहे. या शूरवीरांच्या आत्म्याला शांती लाभावी तसेच या सर्वांच्या कुटुंबियांना हा दुर्देंवी आघात सहन करण्याची शक्ती मिळावी हीच ईश्वरचरणी प्रार्थना.
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) December 8, 2021
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a series of tweets, offered his condolences. He said, "Deeply anguished by the sudden demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other Armed Forces personnel in an extremely unfortunate helicopter accident today in Tamil Nadu. His untimely death is an irreparable loss to our Armed Forces and the country," he said.
Deeply anguished by the sudden demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other Armed Forces personnel in an extremely unfortunate helicopter accident today in Tamil Nadu.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 8, 2021
His untimely death is an irreparable loss to our Armed Forces and the country.
General Rawat had served the country with exceptional courage and diligence. As the first Chief of Defence Staff he had prepared plans for jointness of our Armed Forces.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 8, 2021
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.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 8, 2021
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences over the loss of lives.
I also express my deepest condolences on the sad demise of Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other Armed Forces personnel. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May God give them the strength to bear this tragic loss.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 8, 2021
Praying for the speedy recovery of Gp Capt Varun Singh.
Lok Sabha MP and former Congress President Rahul Gandhi also extended his condolences to the families, who lost their loved ones in this tragedy.
I extend my condolences to the family of Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 8, 2021
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.
"Shocked and saddened to hear about the demise of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat. He had a highly decorated career and his service in the defence field over the past four decades will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family," tweeted NCP President Sharad Pawar.
We trained together at #NDA. We fought terrorists together in #Kashmir. In the loss of Brig LS Lidder, SM, VSM today, India has lost one of its brightest & bravest officers & I have lost a friend. A decorated soldier, caring husband & doting father, you will be missed, Tony. pic.twitter.com/4cIV5WEtVr
— RajyavardhanRathore (@Ra_THORe) December 8, 2021
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, too, paid his condolences.
Deeply shocked at tragic demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 8, 2021
We worked closely together in the last few years. It is a huge loss to the nation.
Lt Gen HS Panag, too, offered his condolence to the families of Gen Rawat and 12 officers.
My sincere condolences to families of General Rawat and 12 officers, soldiers/air officers who were killed in line of duty.
— Lt Gen H S Panag(R) (@rwac48) December 8, 2021
Veena Naravane, wife of Army chief MM Naravane wrote a heartfelt post on Twitter to express her grief.
Mrs Veena Naravane, President #AWWA & all members of #AWWA fraternity express profound grief and condolences on the sad demise of Mrs Madhulika Rawat, Ex President #AWWA. She was an epitome of grace and compassion. She will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/Q5nKb1gxn3
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 8, 2021
General MM Naravane #COAS & All Ranks of #IndianArmy pay heartfelt condolences on the untimely demise of General Bipin Rawat #CDS, Mrs Madhulika Rawat & 11 other passengers on board, in an unfortunate air crash at #Coonoor. (1/n) pic.twitter.com/sc6bmFodXJ
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 8, 2021
The dynamic and inspiring leadership of General Bipin Rawat shall remain eternally etched in our memories. The #IndianArmedForces will forever remain indebted to his invaluable contributions. (2/n) pic.twitter.com/0V2kcMtNUX
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 8, 2021
With inputs from IANS
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
