Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat dies in helicopter crash

In an army chopper crash, CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 other persons have died. There were total 14 persons on the board, 9 were passengers and 5 were the crew members. 13 of the 14 persons in the crash confirmed dead.

Army Chopper crashed in Coonoor, CDS Bipin Rawat dies in that accident
(Photo:-Twitter)

Army Chopper carrying Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat crashed in Tamil Nadu today, December 8. There were total 14 persons on the board, 9 were passengers and 5 were crew members. Out of 14 persons, 13 have been confirmed dead, including Bipin Rawat and his wife.

The Chopper took off from Sulur, Coimbatore and was on the way to Wellington, where General Bipin Rawat was going to deliver a lecture at defence services college. But the chopper crashed in a way in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.

Indian Air Force confirmed this news on twitter. "An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, with CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on board, met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. An Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.", IAF tweeted.

An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, with CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on board, met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.
An Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 8, 2021

This was an IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, which met with an accident, as per IAF.

Chief minister of Tamil Nadu M.K. Stalin has expressed shock after hearing this news. "I am deeply shocked & disheartened on hearing the army chopper with CDS General Bipin Rawat and 13 others has met with an accident near Coonoor. I've instructed the local administration to provide all the help needed in rescue operations even as I'm rushing to the spot.", he tweeted.

I am deeply shocked & disheartened on hearing the army chopper with CDS General Bipin Rawat and 13 others has met with an accident near Coonoor.

I've instructed the local administration to provide all the help needed in rescue operations even as I'm rushing to the spot.

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 8, 2021

The news of General Bipin Rawat's death has been confirmed by Indian Air Force through 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.", IAF tweeted.

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

Prime minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on the death of CDS Bipin Rawat. "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.", PM tweeted.

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

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

President Ramnath Kovind wrote that the Nation has lost one of its bravest sons. "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."

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

Defence minister Rajnath Singh wrote that General Bipin Rawat's untimely death is an irreparable loss to our Armed Forces and the country. "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 tweeted.

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 Bipin Rawat was India's first ever Chief of Defence Staff, who had been elected in 2019 to improve co-ordination between army, navy and air force. Before this post, he was an Indian Army Chief.