 "IAF helicopter crash: Last rites of Gen Bipin Rawat, wife in Delhi on Friday; deeply anguished, says PM Modi")
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others were killed after an Indian Air Force helicopter crashed in Tamil Nadu’s Coonoor on Wednesday. The 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
As per ANI, the bodies of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife will be cremated on Friday in Delhi Cantonment. Their mortal remains are expected to arrive in the National Capital in a military plane by tomorrow evening. Centre to issue statement on chopper crash in Parliament tomorrow Defence minister Rajnath Singh will brief the Parliament Thursday on the IAF chopper crash in which 13 people, including Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat and his wife, were killed. Singh is expected to make a statement in the Lok Sabha at around 11.15 am and in Rajya Sabha at around 12 pm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Thursday to discuss the situation in Tamil Nadu’s Coonoor after the chopper crash. The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Gp Capt Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC with injuries is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington, the IAF added. Singh is being treated for severe burn injuries at the military hospital in Wellington. He won the Shaurya Chakra in August for his courage in handling his aircraft after it was hit by major technical issues during a sortie last year. He landed his Tejas fighter safely despite the mid-air emergency. As per PTI and other news sources, the crash took place in the Nilgiris. The Indian Army released a statement reading: “General MM Naravane and all ranks of the Indian Army express their deepest grief and sorrow over the untimely demise of General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs Madhulika Rawat, President DWWA and 11 other military personnel in an unfortunate air accident today on 08 Dec.” “General Bipin Rawat, India’s first CDS, was a visionary who initiated far reaching reforms in the Indian military’s higher defence organisation. He was instrumental in creating the foundation of India’s joint theatre commands and giving impetus to the increased indigenisation of military equipment, a legacy which will be carried on and strengthened by successive generations. Mrs Madhulika Rawat, also the former President AWWA was an epitome of grace whose presence will be missed by everyone. The deceased 11 military personnel accompanying the CDS and President DWWA on the way to Wellington will also be equally missed by everyone. They performed their duties as per the best traditions of the Armed Forces.” Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and all personnel of IAF expressed their condolences on the passing away of India’s first Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and Mrs Madhulika Rawat, along with 11 other Service personnel in an helicopter crash on Wednesday. Follow all LIVE Updates related to the army helicopter crash here The Navy spokesperson tweeted:
Adm R Hari Kumar #CNS and all personnel of Indian Navy extend heartfelt condolences to the families on the untimely demise of Gen Bipin Rawat #CDS, Smt Madhulika Rawat and other Armed Forces personnel, in the unfortunate helicopter accident today in Tamil Nadu (1/2).
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 8, 2021
An inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the crash, as per a statement from the Indian Air Force.
An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, with CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on board, met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 8, 2021
An Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.
Leaders from across the political spectrum have reacted to the news of the incident and Rawat’s death with shock and grief: President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted:
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
Impact Shorts
More ShortsPrime Minister Narendra Modi 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
Vice-President Venkiaiah Naidu tweeted:
I spoke to the Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh and conveyed my deep anguish. My thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved family members in this hour of grief.
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) December 8, 2021
Defence minister Rajnath Singh 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.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 8, 2021
His untimely death is an irreparable loss to our Armed Forces and the country.
Home minister Amit Shah tweeted:
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.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 8, 2021
Praying for the speedy recovery of Gp Capt Varun Singh.
Union minister Piyush Goyal tweeted:
Deeply disturbed to know about the demise of CDS General #BipinRawat, his wife & other armed forces officials in an unfortunate Mi-17 helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) December 8, 2021
I join our nation in mourning the loss of one of India’s finest soldiers. My condolences to his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/kPskrFre6z
BJP national president JP Nadda tweeted:
Deeply pained by the sudden demise of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife & 11 other Armed Forces personnel in an unfortunate helicopter accident today in Tamil Nadu.Huge loss to the nation.
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) December 8, 2021
I salute Gen Rawat for his outstanding services. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families.
S Jaishankar tweeted:
Deeply shocked at tragic demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 8, 2021
We worked closely together in the last few years. It is a huge loss to the nation.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi extended his condolences:
I extend my condolences to the family of Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 8, 2021
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.
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted:
Deepest condolences on the untimely passing of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife, Army officials who accompanied them and crew of the IAF helicopter involved in the unfortunate accident. Kerala joins the nation in sharing the grief of their near and dear ones. pic.twitter.com/fiD388xoxp
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) December 8, 2021
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal tweeted:
Extremely tragic. God bless their soul https://t.co/k4MC1ehGtw
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 8, 2021
The RSS tweeted:
प्रमुख रक्षा अध्यक्ष जनरल बिपिन रावत का दुर्घटना में निधन अत्यंत दुःखद है।
— RSS (@RSSorg) December 8, 2021
उनके नेतृत्व में भारतीय सेना ने पराक्रम के नये प्रतिमान बनाये। उनके जाने से
देश ने एक श्रेष्ठ सुरक्षा रणनीतिकार को खोया है।
- दत्तात्रेय होसबाले
सरकार्यवाह
राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ pic.twitter.com/sKhxm6zgUM
Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted:
Deeply saddened by the demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen #BipinRawat, his wife & 11 other Defence personnel in a very tragic accident in #TamilNadu. It is an irreparable loss to the nation. Deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish speedy recovery of the injured.
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) December 8, 2021
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla tweeted:
तमिलनाडु में हुए हेलीकाॅप्टर क्रेश में सीडीएस जनरल बिपिन रावत जी का निधन बेहद दुखद है। देश ने आज एक कुशल यौद्धा, अद्भुत रणनीतिकार और अनुभवी नेतृत्वकर्ता को खो दिया। ईश्वर दिवंगत आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करें। दुख की इस घड़ी में मेरी संवेदनाएं परिजनों के साथ हैं।
— Om Birla (@ombirlakota) December 8, 2021
ऊं शांति!!!
Union minister Jitendra Singh tweeted:
Shocked beyond words! The General has left when he was at his best.
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) December 8, 2021
His sudden untimely demise is an irreparable loss to the Armed Forces, the country and a wide range of friends he had made over the years across the country.I am personally anguished.
CDS, Gen #BipinRawat RIP. pic.twitter.com/EPr3VYZBfe
NCP leader Nawab Malik tweeted:
Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of #BipinRawat Ji and other boarders in the helicopter crash. Condolences and strength to the family of the deceased.#HelicopterCrash#Coonoor
— Nawab Malik نواب ملک नवाब मलिक (@nawabmalikncp) December 8, 2021
Manoj Sinha tweeted:
Deeply shocked at tragic demise of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 11 other Armed Forces Personnel in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu. The nation has lost one of its bravest sons. My thoughts and prayers are with bereaved families in this hour of grief.
— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) December 8, 2021
Omar Abdullah tweeted:
Condolences to the families of Gen Rawat & the others killed in the helicopter crash earlier today. May their souls rest in peace. https://t.co/3v8H2uTvOB
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 8, 2021
West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankar tweeted:
NCP supremo Sharad Pawar tweeted:
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.
— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) December 8, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to his family.#BipinRawat
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari wrote that he was shocked to learn about the incident and was praying for everyone’s well-being.
Shocked to hear about the tragic crash of helicopter with CoDS Shri Bipin Rawat ji on board.
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) December 8, 2021
I pray for everyone's safety, wellbeing.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said he was distressed to hear the news of the accident.
Distressed to hear the news of an Army helicopter crash carrying CDS General Shri Bipin Rawat Ji and other senior Army officials. Praying for their safety & well-being.
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) December 8, 2021
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat sent his “prayers for the safety and wellbeing of CDS Bipin Rawat ji, his family and all defence officers who were on board.”
Unfortunate news of the Army chopper crash in Tamil Nadu.
— Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) December 8, 2021
My prayers for the safety and wellbeing of CDS Bipin Rawat ji, his family and all defence officers who were on board.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi prayed for the safety of General Rawat and all who were on board the chopper.
Hoping for the safety of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and others onboard the chopper.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 8, 2021
Prayers for speedy recovery.
Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan also tweeted on the crash and sent his prayers.
Prayers for the safety and wellbeing of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and officers who were on board. https://t.co/1OZYN1QfBs
— V Muraleedharan / വി മുരളീധരൻ ( Modi Ka Parivar) (@VMBJP) December 8, 2021
Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjuna Kharge said he was deeply concerned about the chopper’s passengers and prayed for their wellbeing.
Deeply concerned to hear reports of army helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu. Praying for the safety and well-being of the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his family and staff who were on board the reportedly crashed helicopter.
— Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha (@LoPIndia) December 8, 2021
Former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh said he was saddened to see the images of the crash and prayed for everyone’s safety.
Extremely sad to see the images of the chopper crash with CDS Bipin Rawat and his wife on board. Praying for the safety of all.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) December 8, 2021
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also sent in his prayers.
V v sad to hear this. I pray for everyone’s safety https://t.co/Cz79935xGc
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 8, 2021
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that he was praying for the well-being of all people who were on board the chopper.
Praying for the well-being and safety of CDS General Shri Bipin Rawat Ji, his family and senior Army officials who were on-board on an Army helicopter that crashed in Tamil Nadu. pic.twitter.com/DeB1IL9hQS
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) December 8, 2021
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan wrote that he was praying for the well-being of all the chopper’s passengers.
Received the news of an Army helicopter crash carrying CDS General Shri Bipin Rawat Ji and other senior Army officials in Tamilnadu. I am praying for their well-being and good health.
— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) December 8, 2021
Chief minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma took to Twitter to express his shock:
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor tweeted calling it an ‘unspeakable tragedy’:
Unspeakable tragedy: the crash of the helicopter of the Chief of Defence Staff, in which his family was travelling with him. Worrying unresolved questions include the reason for the crash, in good weather. Hoping for survivors. Meanwhile prayers for the victims & their families.
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 8, 2021
Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin expressed his shock and said that he has asked officials to extend all the necessary help needed in the rescue operation.
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.
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 8, 2021
I've instructed the local administration to provide all the help needed in rescue operations even as I'm rushing to the spot.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted:
तमिलनाडु के कुन्नूर में सेना का हेलीकॉप्टर क्रैश हो जाने का दुखद समाचार मिला।
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) December 8, 2021
मैं ईश्वर से सीडीएस श्री बिपिन रावत जी समेत सभी लोगों के सकुशल होने की प्रार्थना करती हूं।
Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi tweeted:
Why is India not being given an update by the government on our CDS & allowing whisper and rumour mongering unabated? Whatever the update- good, bad, ugly.. Indians need to know.
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) December 8, 2021
Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy tweeted:
Extremely disturbed by the news of the Army chopper crash in TN. Praying for the safety of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat ji.
— YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) December 8, 2021
Deepest condolences to the families of the victims. May they find strength in this difficult time.
Sharad Yadav tweeted:
shocking that the VVIP helicopter in which the people holding highest positions in the Government travels has been crashed. #Bipin_Rawat holds the top position in the defence services of the country. It is really a matter of great concern, serious investigation and early report.
— Sharad Yadav Memorial (@SharadYadavMP) December 8, 2021
Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma tweeted:
I join the entire nation in mourning the loss of our 1st CDS, Gen. Bipin Rawat ji in the unfortunate accident today that also claimed his wife & 11 defence personnel. My heart goes out to the families of the victims of this terrible tragedy. May God grant the souls eternal rest pic.twitter.com/XngskLtq5r
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) December 8, 2021
KC Venugopal tweeted:
Hon'ble Congress President has decided not to celebrate her birthday, tomorrow the 9th December.
— K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) December 8, 2021
Urging party workers and supporters to strictly avoid any celebrations.
The Australian High Commissioner tweeted;
Deeply saddened to hear the terrible news of the helicopter accident involving 🇮🇳 CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife, staff and Air Force crew.
— Philip Green OAM (@AusHCIndia) December 8, 2021
The Japanese ambassador offered his condolences:
The DG ISPR tweeted:
General Nadeem Raza, CJCSC & General Qamar Javed Bajwa, COAS express condolences on tragic death of #CDS General #BipinRawat, his wife and loss of precious lives in a helicopter crash in India
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 8, 2021
The Singapore mission tweeted:
Saddened to learn that Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Rawat & 11 others on board have passed. Had the honour of mtg Gen Rawat several times. His vision, candour & warmth will be missed. Deepest condolences to all grieving this terrible loss. pic.twitter.com/8xVN6aKIKS
— Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) December 8, 2021
Former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netenyahu tweeted:
I was deeply saddened to learn about the deadly helicopter crash that killed India's Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others in Tamil Nadu.
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) December 8, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. May they rest in peace. 🇮🇱🙏🇮🇳
The Russian ambassador tweeted:
With deepest regret learnt about sadden demise of Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat & 11 other officers in the helicopter crash today. India has lost its great patriot and dedicated hero. pic.twitter.com/3tjpBfxzVj
— Denis Alipov 🇷🇺 (@AmbRus_India) December 8, 2021
The US embassy released a statement saying: “The US Embassy extends its deepest condolences to the Rawat family and the families of those who perished in the tragic helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu. As India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat spearheaded a historic period of transformation in the Indian military. He was a strong friend and partner of the United States, overseeing a major expansion of India’s defense cooperation with the U.S. military. In September, he spent five days traveling throughout the United States as part of a counterpart visit with General Mark Milley to discuss military developments and opportunities to enhance our cooperation with like-minded countries. His legacy will continue on. Our thoughts are with the Indian people and the Indian military, and we pray for Group Captain Varun Singh’s full recovery.” The US embassy tweeted:
The U.S. Embassy extends its deepest condolences to the Rawat family and the families of those who perished in the tragic helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 8, 2021
“As India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat spearheaded a historic period of transformation in the Indian military. He was a strong friend and partner of the United States, overseeing a major expansion of India’s defense cooperation with the U.S. military. In September, he spent five days traveling throughout the United States as part of a counterpart visit with General Mark Milley to discuss military developments and opportunities to enhance our cooperation with like-minded countries. His legacy will continue on. Our thoughts are with the Indian people and the Indian military, and we pray for Group Captain Varun Singh’s full recovery,” the embassy added in a statement. General Rawat took charge as the first Chief of Defence Staff of the country in 2019. He was appointed as the head of the department of military affairs, as per NDTV. Before taking charge as the CDS, General Rawat had served as the Chief of Army for three years. He was the fourth officer from the Gorkha Brigade to assume the position of Chief of Army Staff. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan tweeted:
मध्यप्रदेश की माटी के सपूत जितेंद्र कुमार जी को सादर श्रद्धांजलि। जिस हृदय विदारक हेलीकॉप्टर हादसे ने सीडीएस बिपिन रावत जी को हमसे छीन लिया, उसी में सीहोर के पुत्र ने कर्तव्य निर्वहन करते हुए प्राण गवां दिए। ईश्वर दिवंगत आत्मा को शांति प्रदान कर श्रीचरणों में स्थान दें।
— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) December 8, 2021
।ॐ शांति। pic.twitter.com/M8i2NmzcWb
Rajyavardhan Rathore tweeted:
We trained together at #NDA. We fought terrorists together in #Kashmir. In the loss of Brig LS Lidder, SM, VSM today, India has lost one of its brightest & bravest officers & I have lost a friend. A decorated soldier, caring husband & doting father, you will be missed, Tony. pic.twitter.com/4cIV5WEtVr
— Col Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) December 8, 2021
Tanuj Garg tweeted:
We are shooting in #Ooty and the tragic #HelicopterCrash took place not far. Trying not to believe the conspiracy theories floating on social media. Just thinking of what the deceased would have gone through when the chopper exploded mid-air. RIP. #Bipin_Rawat
— TANNUJJ GARG (@tanuj_garg) December 8, 2021
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