In a tragic incident, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat died in a helicopter crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. His death was recently confirmed by the Indian Air Force (IAF) an hour back. Alonh with CDS General Bipin Rawat thirteen other people who were onboard, including his wife also passed away. One person is in ICU and is in extremely critical condition.
“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 tweeted at 6:03 pm.
“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,” the IAF added.
The sole survivor is Group Captain Varun Singh, directing staff at Defence Services Staff College (DSSC). He is being treated for his injuries at the Military Hospital in Wellington, the IAF said.
General Rawat was India’s first CDS, assuming office on January 1, 2020. Previously, he was the chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee between September 27, 2019 and December 31, 2019, and the Chief of Army Staff between December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2019.
