India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat lost his life today in a tragic helicopter crash. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed the news on Twitter as he wrote, “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.”
Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has called it the most horrible news of the year. Mourning his demise, she wrote, “Most horrible news of the year…the demise of Sh Bipin Rawat and his wife in a tragic helicopter crash. The nation will always be grateful to Gen Rawat for his service to the nation. Om Shanti. Jai Hind.”
General Bipin Rawat was appointed as the first CDS of India on Dec 30, 2019, and assumed office from 1 January 2020. The chopper, carrying 14 people, took off from the Air Force station in Sulur, Coimbatore and was headed to Wellington Defence Services Staff college where the CDS Bipin Rawat was due to deliver a lecture. Mr Rajnath wrote in another tweet, “My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this accident. Praying for the speedy recovery of Gp Capt Varun Singh, who is currently under treatment at the Military Hospital, Wellington.”
The nation is grateful to CDS Bipin Rawat for his service. May his soul rest in peace!
Also Read: Army Colonel Makes Insensitive Comment As CDS Bipin Rawat’s Helicopter Crashes