CDS Bipin Rawat Dies in Helicopter Crash Updates: India's top general, his wife to be cremated in Delhi Cantonment on Friday

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Air Force personnel who lost lives in chopper crash

Four Indian Air Force personnel who lost their lives in the chopper crash include Wing Commander PS Chauhan, Squadron Leader K Singh, Junior Warrant Officer Rana Pratap Das and Junior Warrant Officer Pradeep A.

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Cremation of Bipin Rawat, his wife on 10 Dec in Delhi Cantonment

Cremation of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife will be done on Friday in Delhi Cantonment. Their mortal remains are expected to arrive in the National Capital in a military plane by tomorrow evening, reported ANI.

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‘Lost a friend’: Rajyavardhan Rathore after demise of Brig LS Lidder

BJP leader Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore took to Twitter to express his condolences and wrote a personal note after the demise of Brig LS Lidder, who was killed on Wednesday in the IAF chopper crash in Tamil Nadu that also caused the death of India’s top military commander, Gen Bipin Rawat.

“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 and I have lost a friend. A decorated soldier, caring husband & doting father, you will be missed, Tony,” tweeted Rathore.

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

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Group Captain is sole survivor of IAF chopper crash

Group Captain Varun Singh is the sole survivor of the military helicopter crash that occurred this afternoon in Tamil Nadu, killing India’s top military officer, General Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 11 others.

Group Captain Varun 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.

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Top Pakistani military brass condole deaths

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

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‘India lost its great patriot’: Russian ambassador on Bipin Rawat’s death

Russian ambassador Nikolay Kudashev expressed his deepest regret at Rawat’s death in a tweet and said that “India has lost its great patriot and dedicated hero”.

“Russia has lost a very close friend, who played a big role in promotion of our bilateral special and privileged strategic partnership. Grieving together with India. Goodbye, friend! Farewell, commander!” Kudashev said in another tweet.

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

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US condoles Bipin Rawat’s death, recall how he strengthened defence ties

The  US Embassy also extended its condolences to CDS Bipin Rawat’s family and the families of those who perished in the tragic helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.

“As India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, 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 US 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,” the statement read.

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Rajnath Singh to issue statement on IAF crash killing 13 people 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.

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IAF chief VR Chaudhari expresses condolences

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.

Gen Bipin Rawat will be remembered for his dynamic leadership and vision. The persona and grace of Mrs Madhulika Rawat, President DWWA, will be missed by everyone. We pray for the speedy recovery of Gp Capt Varun Singh who is presently hospitalised.

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

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Mi17V5 is advanced transport helicopter with IAF since 2012

The Mi17V5 helicopter, which crashed with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Bipin Rawat and 13 other people onboard on Wednesday, is an advanced military transport chopper that has been with the Indian Air Force (IAF) since 2012.

Manufactured by Russian Helicopters’ subsidiary Kazan, the helicopter has an onboard weather radar and is equipped with the latest generation of night vision devices. However, IAF’s Mi17V5 chopper has been involved in quite a few incidents during the last decade.

One of these choppers with the IAF crash-landed in eastern Arunachal Pradesh on 8 November. However, the two pilots and three crew members suffered just minor injuries.

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Bipin Rawat, among 13 people killed in IAF chopper crash

In what can be termed as a monumental loss to the nation, the Indian Air Force has confirmed that Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat has died in a chopper crash in Tamil Nadu.

General Rawat was on his way from the Sulur IAF Station to the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington in Coonoor when the IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter in which he was travelling crashed in a forested area in the Niligris district around 12.20 pm.

The mortal remains of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife along with 11 other Armed Forces personnel killed in the chopper crash expected to arrive in Delhi by evening tomorrow.

#IndianArmy also conveys heartfelt condolences & stands firm in support of the bereaved families of the following personnel.
Brig LS Lidder
Lt Col H Singh
Wg Cdr PS Chauhan
Sqn Ldr K Singh
JWO Das
JWO Pradeep A
Hav Satpal
Nk Gursewak Singh
Nk Jitender
L/Nk Vivek
L/Nk S Teja (3/n) pic.twitter.com/7Ij7YBYi2J

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 8, 2021

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Navy statement on demise of CDS General Rawat

Adm R Hari Kumar CNS and all personnel of Indian Navy extended condolences to the families on the demise of Gen Bipin Rawat CDS, Mrs Madhulika Rawat and other Armed Forces personnel, in the helicopter crash on Wednesday in Tamil Nadu. 

The dynamic and inspiring leadership of General Bipin Rawat shall remain eternally etched in our memories. The Indian Armed Forces will forever remain indebted to his invaluable contributions, said the Indian Navy.

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

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PM Modi chairs Cabinet Committee on Security meet

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 that killed CDS Bipin Rawat. The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Meanwhile, the government will issue a statement tomorrow in Parliament over the crash.

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PM Modi chairs Cabinet Committee on Security meet

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 that killed CDS Bipin Rawat. The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Meanwhile, the government will issue a statement tomorrow in Parliament over the crash.

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‘Unprecedented tragedy’: Rahul Gandhi after defence chief’s death

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the accident an unprecedented tragedy. “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,” he wrote on Twitter.

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Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier: Narendra Modi 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said General Bipin Rawat was an “outstanding soldier” and that “India will never forget his exceptional service”.

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife were among 13 killed in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, the Air Force said. Sole survivor, Group Captain Varun Singh, is being treated for 90 percent burn injuries, it added.

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

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Bipin Rawat was one of bravest Indian soldiers: Amit Shah

Home Minister Amit Shah also to took Twitter to express condolences on the demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat. “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 and commitment cannot be put into words. I am deeply pained,” he said.

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

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Bipin Rawat’s death huge loss for nation: S Jaishankar

EAM S Jaishankar responded to the death of CDS Bipin Rawat during an IAF chopper crash in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. “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,” he said.

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Defence Chief General Bipin Rawat killed in chopper crash: IAF

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 the Indian Air Force. 

Gp Capt Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC with injuries is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington, it 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.

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

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Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Chauhan was pilot of IAF chopper 

Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Chauhan was pilot of the Mi-17V5 which crashed with 14 personnel on board including CDS Gen Bipin Rawat. He is the Commanding Officer of the 109 Helicopter Unit, reported ANI.

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All you need to know about Mi-17V5 helicopter that went down in Tamil Nadu

As per the website Airforce Technology, the Mi-17V5 (domestic designation Mi-8MTV-5) is a military transport variant in the Mi-8/17 family of helicopters.

It is produced by Kazan Helicopters, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters.

It is one of the world’s most advanced transport helicopters. It can be deployed in troop and arms transport, fire support, convoy escort, patrol, and search-and-rescue (SAR) missions, as per the website.

The helicopter has a maximum take-off weight of 13,000kg. It can transport either 36 armed soldiers internally or 4,500kg of load on a sling.

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Female body recovered from crash site, says News18

A female body has been recovered from crash site of IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, sources told CNN-News18. An IAF chopper carrying Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, his wife and 12 others crashed in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.

The IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter was airborne from Sulur for Wellington. 

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Identities of bodies to be confimed via DNA testing

Of the 14 personnel, including Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, in the military chopper that crashed shortly after take-off today in Tamil Nadu, 13 have been confirmed dead, reported ANI.

According to official sources, identities of the bodies will be confirmed through DNA testing.

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Army officers take chopper crash site under control

Army personnel with the support of local police have taken the crash site under control. People have been asked not to visit the area as it may cause hindrance to rescue work. State Chief Minister MK Stalin is also set to visit the area later on Thursday.

According to Indian Express, traffic has been halted from Coonoor to Coimbatore.

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Rajnath Singh’s statement on IAF chopper crash tomorrow

Defence minister Rajnath Singh will brief Parliament on the IAF chopper crash near Tamil Nadu’s Coonoor on Thursday, and not today, as speculated earlier. Chief of defence staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika were among the 14 passengers on board.

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Mamata stops review meeting midway after learning about chopper crash

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ended midway an administrative review meeting on Monday as soon as she came to know that an army chopper, with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat on board, crashed in Tamil Nadu.

“We have received sad news. I am shocked. I have no words to express my grief. I am ending this meeting,” she said and left the venue of the meeting in Malda. Banerjee, on a four-day administrative tour of the state, is scheduled to conduct several review meetings.

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Tamil Nadu CM Stalin to go to Coonoor

According to sources, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, DGP C Sylendra Babu and Chief Secretary V Irai Anbu are taking a chartered flight to Coimbatore after 5 pm. Their travel plans from Coimbatore to Coonoor will depend on the communication from the Union defence ministry, a source said.

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

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Visuals from Rajnath Singh’s visit to CDS Bipin Rawat’s residence

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached the residence of Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat in Delhi on Wednesday following the crash of the helicopter carrying the CDS, his wife and 12 other defence officials in Tamill Nadu.

Singh is also expected to brief the Parliament on the crash of an air force chopper in the Nilgiris in the state.

Delhi | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaches the residence of CDS Bipin Rawat pic.twitter.com/05DismLAq9

— ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2021

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IAF chopper carrying CDS Rawat crashes: When air accidents made big headlines

An Indian Air Force chopper carrying senior defence officers, including Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat has crashed at Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, news agency PTI has said quoting sources. The crash took place in the Nilgiris, according to reports. Some injured people have been taken to hospital.

As per ANI, CDS Bipin Rawat, his staff and some family members were in the Mi-series chopper that crashed between Coimbatore and Sulur in Tamil Nadu. Search and rescue operations launched from nearby bases. Sources have revealed that four bodies have been recovered from the crash site. However, identities haven’t yet been revealed.

The tragedy is a grim reminder of the deaths in aerial crashes involving several high-profile people including YS Rajasekhara Reddy, Sanjay Gandhi, Madhavrao Scindia, actress Soundarya etc.

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Seven people dead, rescue ops on, says TN forest minister 

“I have reached the chopper crash site on the instructions of the CM. Out of the 14 people on board, five people have died and the situation of two others is critical. Efforts are on to rescue the remaining passengers. Their condition is yet to be ascertained,” said Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K Ramachandran.

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IAF chopper crash in forest area due to heavy fog, say sources

According to official sources, the IAF chopper carrying Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, his wife and 12 others, crashed in a forest area due to poor visibility following heavy fog, reported news agency PTI.

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Five  of 14 people onboard in IAF chopper dead

IAF Chief Air Marshal VR Chaudhri is on his way to the crash site. Five people have died and two have survived. The injured have been taken to a hospital.

IAF chopper crash: Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari is reaching Sulur airbase, say sources pic.twitter.com/g8DRCIvBe0

— ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2021

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All injured in chopper crash evacuated from spot

According to official sources all the injured people on board the IAF chopper that crashed in Tamil Nadu have been evacuated from the spot, reported PTI. 

Defence minister Rajnath Singh is monitoring the situation. A meeting of senior Defence Ministry officials is under way. Singh has also briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the crash

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Visuals from crash site at Conoor

An Army chopper carrying Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, his wife and seven others crashed in Tamil Nadu a little after noon on Wednesday. 

Video credit: News18

#BipinRawat | An army helicopter carrying senior defence officials has crashed in the #Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu killing at least four on Wednesday. CDS Bipin Rawat was also on board. | Follow LIVE updates here: https://t.co/8rVlx0kd2m pic.twitter.com/8jaywyJnpI

— Firstpost (@firstpost) December 8, 2021

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MK Stalin to leave for Coimbatore at 5 pm 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to leave for Coimbatore from Chennai Airport on Wednesday and then move to Nilgiris, following the incident of military chopper crash between Coimbatore and Sulur.

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Rajnath Singh to brief Parliament on army chopper crash

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will brief the Parliament on the crash of an army chopper in Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu. The chopper had CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife and staff members on board.

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Four dead after chopper carrying CDS Bipin Rawat crashes in Ooty

An army helicopter carrying senior defence officials has crashed in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu killing at least four on Wednesday. Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat was also on board.

The helicopter was flying from Sulur Airbase to Wellington. Fourteen personnel including senior officials, were on board. 

Four bodies recovered, three injured persons rescued from IAF helicopter crash site in TN: Official sources

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 8, 2021

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Rahul Gandhi, Raghav Chadha react to Rawat helicopter crash

Rahul Gandhi hopes for CDS General Bipin Rawat’s safety. He writes on Twitter, “Hoping for the safety of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and others onboard the chopper. Prayers for a speedy recovery.”

Aam Aadmi Party’s Raghav Chadha too reacted to the crash. He wrote on the social messaging app: “Deeply saddened to learn about the crash of chopper ferrying our CDS Bipin Rawat and his wife. Praying for everyone’s safety.”

Arunachal Pradesh’s chief minister Pema Khandu wrote, “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.”

Hoping for the safety of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and others onboard the chopper.

Prayers for speedy recovery.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 8, 2021

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What was CDS Bipin Rawat doing on the helicopter?

According to media reports, CDS General Bipin Rawat was to give a lecture at 2:45 pm in Wellington, Tamil Nadu.