CDS Bipin Rawat, wife Madhulika and 13 others dead in chopper crash
By: Pallab Ghosh
Radiance News Service
India has lost its first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat a short while ago. His wife Madhulika Rawat, and 13 others were also killed when their IAF Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu‘s Nilgiris district on Wednesday.
The ill-fated chopper, which took off from the Sulur airbase near Coimbatore, crashed in a forest area, due to poor visibility following heavy fog. CDS Rawat was on his way to the Defence Staff College in Wellington. The irony, the chopper was just a few minutes away from landing when the crash took place.
The mortal remains will be brought to New Delhi on Thursday.
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".
In his tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "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”, tweeted PM Modi. PM Modi added, ”As India’s first CDS, Gen Rawat worked on diverse aspects relating to our armed forces including defence reforms. He brought with him a rich experience of serving in the Army. India will never forget his exceptional service.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted, "General Rawat had served the country with exceptional courage and diligence. As the first Chief of Defence Staff he had prepared plans for jointness of our Armed Forces".
Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, "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".