Bipin Rawat | Chopper crash
General Bipin Rawat's mortal remains to be brought to Delhi tomorrow
New Delhi/IBNS: The mortal remains of India's Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu, will be brought to the national capital on Thursday, media reports said.
Rawat along with his wife and 11 others, including his staff and crew members, have died in the Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor, country's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially declared on Wednesday evening.
Fourteen people - five crew and nine passengers - were on board the Mi-17V5 helicopter that went down in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiri Hills.
"With deep regret, it has now been ascertained Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat, and 11 other persons on board have died in the unfortunate accident," the Air Force said.
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
The chopper took off at 11.47 am from Sulur and was heading to Wellington when it crashed at 12.20 am about 5-10 km and five minutes from the landing site.
Gen Rawat was scheduled to address an event at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington when the crash took place.
The only survivor - Group Captain Varun Singh - is being treated for severe injuries.
Gen Bipin Rawat will be remembered for his dynamic leadership and vision. The persona and grace of Mrs Madhulika Rawat, President DWWA, will be missed by everyone. We pray for the speedy recovery of Gp Capt Varun Singh who is presently hospitalised.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 8, 2021
"Group Captain Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC, with injuries is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington," the Air Force confirmed.
Rajnath Singh earlier briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi Modi. The Parliament will be briefed on Thursday.
Since the news of his demise broke, tributes have poured in from President Ram Nath Singh, PM Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar among others.
I am shocked and anguished over the untimely demise of Gen. Bipin Rawat and his wife, Madhulika ji. 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.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 8, 2021
Gen 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
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and the NCP's Sharad Pawar also tweeted condolences.
Extremely tragic news coming in from Coonoor.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 8, 2021
Today, the entire nation prays for the safety of those who were onboard including CDS Bipin Rawat and his family members. Also praying for the speedy recovery of everyone who was injured.
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