India in a state of mourning
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in
“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” tweeted the Indian Airforce.
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 other personnel died after the Indian Air Force chopper they were travelling in crashed near Coonor near Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri hill district. While an investigation has been ordered, the government is likely to make a statement in Parliament on Thursday on the crash of the Mi-17V5 helicopter. The aircraft was on its way from Sulur IAF base in Coimbatore to Defence Staff College in Wellington.
Gp Capt Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC with injuries is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, wellington. Identities of the bodies to be confirmed through DNA testing.
Defence minister in his message 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.”
Home minister Amit Shah tweeted “A very sad day for the nation as we have lost our CDS, General Bipin Rawat Ji in a very tragic accident. He was one of the bravest soldiers, who has served the motherland with utmost devotion. His exemplary contributions & commitment cannot be put into words. I am deeply pained.”
Rahul gandhi in his tweet said “I extend my condolences to the family of Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife. 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.”
Bipin Laxman Singh Rawat, PVSM UYSM AVSM YSM SM VSM ADC was born on 16 March 1958, a four star general of the Indian Army. He was the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India. On 30 December 2019, he was appointed as the first CDS of India and assumed office from 1 January 2020. Prior to taking over as the CDS, he served as 57th and last Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee as well as 26th Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army.
December 8,2021
