Indian president, prime minister express grief over death of chief of defense staff in helicopter crash

NEW DELHI, Dec. 8– Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the killing of the country’s Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat in a helicopter crash in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Rawat, along with his wife, was among the 13 people killed in the crash while one person was injured and undergoing…

NEW DELHI, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) — Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the killing of the country’s Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat in a helicopter crash in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

Rawat, along with his wife, was among the 13 people killed in the crash while one person was injured and undergoing treatment.

“It’s deeply painful for me to learn of the loss of lives in the chopper crash. I join fellow citizens in paying tributes to each of those who died while performing their duty. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” read a statement by the president.

“I am shocked and anguished over the untimely demise of Gen. Bipin Rawat and his wife, Madhulika. 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.”

The helicopter crashed at Coonoor area of Nilgiris district, about 538 km southwest of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.

“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,” Prime Minister Modi said in a statement on social media.

“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,” Modi said.

Rawat took a flight from Delhi to Sulur in Coimbatore earlier in the day and the crash took place shortly after the Russian-made Mi-17 V5 chopper took off from the Air Force base in Sulur for Wellington in the Nilgiri Hills.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) said Rawat was on a visit to Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (Nilgiri Hills) to address the faculty and student officers of the staff course.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known. However, reports said there was low visibility and foggy conditions prevailing in the area.

The IAF has ordered an inquiry to ascertain the cause of the crash. Enditem