IAF announces the demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat and 12 others in a Helicopter Crash

Solanki Shaw December 8, 2021

551 1 minute read

The Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife were killed in the military helicopter crash. Along with them, 11 others lost their lives. The helicopter crashed near Coonoor City in Tamil Nadu.

According to reports, one has survived. And the survivor is in the hospital under treatment.

Gen Bipin Rawat, 63, was appointed as the first-ever chief of Defence Staff in January 2019.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) ordered an investigation. Furthermore, a cabinet security committee will hold a meeting headed by the Prime Minister.

The images from the incident site captured thick smoke from the remains of the helicopter. And, the local people trying to put out the fire.

The helicopter had taken off from the army base in Sulur and headed for Wellington town. The distance between the places is less than 100 km (62 miles). The purpose for Gen Rawat was to visit the Defence Services Staff College.

The Mi-17V5 is considered one of the most sophisticated military transport helicopters. So, such a casualty raises concerns about the safety of our officers.

It is important to note that this is not the first casualty involving eminent officers. And, whenever such a casualty takes place, the blame is on the aging air force fleet.

The tragic helicopter crash in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu is yet another addition to the list of incidents. The weather forecast indicated low clouds, high humidity, and light rainfall. As per the images from the incident site, the helicopter had stuck between the trees and crashed. So was the pilot under pressure?

All significant political figures took to social media to share their thoughts.

PM Modi wrote that Gen Rawat was a true patriot and contributed greatly to the modernization of the Indian Armed Forces. PM Modi also mentioned that Gen Rawat’s passing away has saddened him greatly.