General Bipin Rawat and his wife are among the 13 people killed in an unexpected chopper crash in Coonoor. Here’s everything that happened today.
General Bipin Rawat among the 13 dead
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Bipin Rawat and his wife are among the 13 people killed after a helicopter crash. An IAF chopper crashed near Coonoor, Tamilnadu. Moreover, the crash occurred about 10 kilometers away from the helipad where it was scheduled for landing. The crash took place in the Nilgiris after the Mi-17 chopper took off from an army base in Sulur. “With deep regret, it has now been ascertained that General Bipin Rawat, Mrs. Madhulika Rawat, and 11 other persons on board have died in the unfortunate accident,” tweeted the Indian Force.
According to sources three of the injured were taken to a nearby hospital soon after the crash. Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi was briefed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the incident. According to several sources, Mr. Singh will also brief the Parliament tomorrow. PM Modi also chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on the chopper crash. Additionally, “he greatly contributed to modernizing our armed forces and security apparatus. His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply,” said PM Modi.
More about India’s first CDS
Hailing from a family of military officers, General Bipin Rawat took over as India’s first-ever Chief of Defence. He ascended the chair on January 1, 2020, making his mark as India’s foremost military officer. The CDS post ranked him above all other four-star military officers who are heading the Army, Navy, and Air Force. He was also the Primary Military Advisor to India’s defense minister. “I am shocked and anguished over the untimely demise of General 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 were marked by exceptional gallantry and heroism. My condolences to his family” stated President Kovind.