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In a shocking tragedy that has shaken the nation , India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others were killed in a helicopter crash near Coonoor on Wednesday, the Indian Air Force said.
The copter carrying Gen Rawat, appointed as CDS in 2019, and his entourage crashed in apparently foggy conditions, killing the 13 people on board, the IAF and other officials said. One person survived the crash and is being treated at a hospital. The mortal remains of the victims will be taken to New Delhi from Coimbatore on Thursday by air, after a wreath-laying ceremony scheduled tomorrow morning at Wellington, police and defence sources 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,” the IAF 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
Rawat was on a visit to Defence Services Staff College, Wellington to address the faculty and student officers of the staff course when the fatal accident happened.
The cremation of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife will take place on Friday (December 10) in Delhi Cantonment. Their mortal remains are expected to arrive in the national capital in a military plane by tomorrow evening.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lead the tributes . Leaders across party lines too paid their respect and condolences in their tweets
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
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, 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
Rajnath Singh , Defence Minister
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
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
Amit Shah, Home Minister
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
Sharad Pawar, NCP Chief And former Defence Minister
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.#BipinRawat— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) December 8, 2021
Rahul Gandhi, Former Congress president
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.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 8, 2021
Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP
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
Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister
Extremely tragic. God bless their soul https://t.co/k4MC1ehGtw
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 8, 2021
Capt Amarinder Singh, Former Punjab Chief Minister
Grieved to know about the untimely demise of Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat ji in an unfortunate helicopter crash today. He served the country with great honour & dedication. My heartfelt condolences. RIP ? pic.twitter.com/NeUUzGH8fn
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) December 8, 2021
Akhilesh Yadav, Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister
कुन्नूर हेलीकॉप्टर दुर्घटना में चीफ ऑफ डिफेंस स्टाफ, जनरल बिपिन रावत जी, उनकी पत्नी एवं 11 अन्य की मृत्यु पर भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि!
जनरल रावत जी के शौर्यपूर्ण जीवन को नमन।
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) December 8, 2021
