CDS Bipin Rawat Dies in IAF Chopper Crash; PM Modi Tweets Tribute

Video Producer: Shohini Bose

Video Editor: Sandeep Suman

CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others died in an IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter crash on Wednesday, 8 December, the Indian Air Force has confirmed in a tweet.

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

Taking to Twitter, to pay his tribute to Bipin Rawat, PM Modi called him a "true patriot" and said that “India will never forget his exceptional service.”

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. pic.twitter.com/YOuQvFT7Et

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2021

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2021

Meanwhile, President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted that “the nation has lost one of its bravest sons.” The President also joined “the fellow citizens in paying tributes to each of those who died while performing their duty.”

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

An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife and staff, as well as other senior officials on-board, crashed in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor.

Describing Rawat's "untimely death" as an "irreparable loss to our Armed Forces and the country", Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has tweeted that he is "deeply anguished".

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.

His untimely death is an irreparable loss to our Armed Forces and the country.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 8, 2021

How Did This Happen?

The CDS, his wife, staff, as well as other senior officials were on board the chopper, which crashed after having taken off from Sulur in the Nilgiris, while it was heading to Wellington base.

The IAF has said that an inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.

Visuals from the site of the helicopter crash showed massive flames and locals helping with the immediate rescue operations.

Krishnaswamy, the first eyewitness to the crash who raised the alarm and informed the police, said that he saw the chopper crash into a tree, following which it caught on fire, with smoke engulfing the area.

Krishnaswamy was the first eyewitness at the crash site.

'Heard a loud noise & that's when I saw the copter approaching. As it was descending, it caught on fire. It crashed into a big tree & was immediately engulfed in smoke. Then the entire chopper caught on fire.'@TheQuint pic.twitter.com/HMP4LEH396

— Smitha T K (@smitha_tk) December 8, 2021