Last Updated on December 8, 2021 at 6:47 pm
Condolences from across political and social circles have started to pour in after the news of Gen Bipin Rawat being killed in a helicopter crash was announced.
Indian Air Force on its official Twitter handle announced, “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. Around noon today, an IAF Mi 17 V5 helicopter with a crew of 4 members carrying the CDS and 9 other passengers met with a tragic accident near Coonoor, TN”.
“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. Gp Capt Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC with injuries is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington” the statement read.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh among other top functionaries have expressed their grief over the death of Gen Bipin Rawat.
“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” Tweeted PM Modi.
