New Delhi: In the deadly chopper crash that took place in Coonoor of Tamil Nadu, General Bipin Rawat has passed away. Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed the sad demise of nation’s 1st CDS.

“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,” IAF said in a statement.

General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was on way to Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (Nilgiri Hills) to address the faculty and student officers of the Staff Course when his VIP chopper suffered accident apparently due to inclement weather.

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 Mi-17 V5 helicopter was carrying a total of 14 passengers, which included CDS Rawat & his wife and 12 other senior Army officials but met with a tragic mishap near Coonoor, TN.

Gp Capt Varun Singh SC alive, undergoing treatment

Gp Capt Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC with injuries is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington.

General Rawat, India’s 1st CDS

General Rawat was India’s first Chief of Defence Staff. With his appointment in the topmost position in December 2019, he was the one-point advisor to the government matters related to the military including the Army, Navy and the Air Force.

“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,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted.

“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,” Singh added.

A veteran of counterinsurgency warfare, CDS Rawat served in the most difficult terrains including northern and eastern commands.