New Delhi: General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) died after a military helicopter crashed in Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, the Indian Air Force said today.
“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 IAF.
Gen Rawat, India’s first CDS was on a visit to the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington to address the faculty and student officers of the Staff Course when his chopper crashed near Coonor in the Nilgiris district.
“Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was on a visit to Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (Nilgiri Hills) to address the faculty and student officers of the Staff Course today,” the IAF added.
Gen Rawat had taken off from Sulur Airbase for Wellington and was accompanied by his wife Madhulika Rawat, his DA Brigadier LS Lidder, SO Lieutenant Colonel Harjinder Singh, among other defence officials.
Here’s how politicians expressed their condolences:
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
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.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 8, 2021
Extremely tragic. God bless their soul https://t.co/k4MC1ehGtw
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 8, 2021
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.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 8, 2021
I am deeply anguished by the helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu in which we have lost Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and other personnel of the Armed Forces. They served India with utmost diligence. My thoughts are with the bereaved families.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2021
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.
Praying for the speedy recovery of Gp Capt Varun Singh.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 8, 2021
Deeply shocked at tragic demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife.
We worked closely together in the last few years. It is a huge loss to the nation.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 8, 2021
All of India mourns the tragic loss of life that occurred today & the passing of India's first Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Rawat, his wife and 11 men in uniform. The crash must &will be investigated, but today is a day for prayer. We salute the departed &mourn w/their loved ones. https://t.co/HQ4orm341j
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 8, 2021
Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of CDS Gen. Bipin Rawat ji, his wife Smt. Madhulika Rawat and 11 armed forces personnel on board the ill-fated helicopter.
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) December 8, 2021
प्रभु श्री राम से प्रार्थना है कि दिवंगत आत्माओं को अपने परमधाम में स्थान व शोकाकुल परिजनों को यह दुःख सहने की शक्ति दें।
ॐ शांति!
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) December 8, 2021
