CDS Bipin Rawat, wife Madhulika Rawat dead in Tamil Nadu helicopter crash: What we know so far
CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and 11 others on board the IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter have been confirmed dead on December 8 evening. At 6 pm, the IAF tweeted that CDS Rawat died in the crash.
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
The Indian Air Force Mi-17V5 helicopter carrying top Army officials including CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat crashed in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu this afternoon. The crash took place around 12.20 pm today, December 8.
Here are the latest updates on the tragedy (this is a developing story):
1. WHAT HAPPENED?
An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, with CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on board, met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.An Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 8, 2021
An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter crashed near Tamil Nadu's Coonoor today. The helicopter was carrying the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and 13 others when it crashed. The helicopter was flying from Sulur to Wellington. The helicopter was just 10 km from the destination helipad where it was supposed to land, when the crash took place. The IAF said that an inquiry has been ordered into the accident.
2. DEATH TOLL RISES
The death toll in CDS helicopter crash has increased. 13 of 14 people on board have been killed in the tragic crash.
13 of the 14 personnel involved in the military chopper crash in Tamil Nadu have been confirmed dead. Identities of the bodies to be confirmed through DNA testing: Sources
— ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2021
3. WHO ALL WERE ON BOARD?
Other than CDS General Bipin Rawat, several senior Army officials were on board. CDS Bipin Rawat's wife Madhulika Rawat was also on board the helicopter.
4. HORRIFYING VISUALS FROM CRASH SPOT
Visuals from the helicopter crash site in #Coonoor, #TamilNadu. pic.twitter.com/1u2LXsIdlD
— DailyO (@DailyO_) December 8, 2021
Local people were the first responders at the crash site, who tried to douse the fire with buckets of water.
5. DEFENCE MINISTER RAJNATH SINGH TO BRIEF ON ACCIDENT
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to brief the Parliament on the helicopter crash tomorrow, December 9. Rajnath Singh will be heading to Tamil Nadu soon. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin will also be at the crash site soon.
The Defence Minister has also briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the situation. Rajnath Singh visited General Bipin Rawat's residence in New Delhi this evening.
6. IAF CHIEF RUSHES TO SULUR
IAF chief Vivek Ram Chaudhari will soon be reaching the Sulur air base in Tamil Nadu.
7. BIPIN RAWAT SPOKE AT AN EVENT ON TUESDAY
India organized a curtain-raiser for the PANEX-21 in New Delhi. PANEX 21, a multi-agency exercise in the area of disaster management among #BIMSTEC member countries, will be held from 20-22 Dec 2021 in Pune. ?????????????? pic.twitter.com/w8EQIJvCpY
— Rakesh Tiwari IFS (@RakeshTiwariIFS) December 7, 2021
General Rawat spoke at length at the curtain raiser event Panex 21 of the disaster management exercise involving BIMSTEC member countries on Tuesday, December 7.
8. REACTIONS POUR IN
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai expressed anguish over the IAF helicopter crash involving CDS Bipin Rawat. He said that he's trying to gather more information on the incident.
Saddened to hear that the IAF chopper carrying CDS General Bipin Rawat crashed. I am trying to gather more information on the incident. As per preliminary information, he has been taken to hospital for treatment: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai pic.twitter.com/QsBbjtcuMP
— ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2021
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed her shock over the incident. She said that the entire nation is praying for those on board including CDS Bipin Rawat and his wife.
Extremely tragic news coming in from Coonoor.Today, the entire nation prays for the safety of those who were onboard including CDS Bipin Rawat and his family members. Also praying for the speedy recovery of everyone who was injured.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 8, 2021
9. CDS RAWAT WAS HEADED TO DELIVER A LECTURE
CDS General Bipin Rawat was headed to Wellington Defence Services Staff College to deliver a lecture.
10. TAMIL NADU CM SAYS HE'S SHOCKED
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin tweeted that he's shocked to hear that the helicopter carrying CDS Bipin Rawat has crashed. He also added that he's instructed the local administration to help with the rescue operations.
I am deeply shocked & disheartened on hearing the army chopper with CDS General Bipin Rawat and 13 others has met with an accident near Coonoor. I've instructed the local administration to provide all the help needed in rescue operations even as I'm rushing to the spot.
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 8, 2021
11. PRESIDENT CANCELS MUMBAI EVENT
President Ram Nath Kovind has cancelled a Mumbai event in view of the helicopter crash carrying CDS Bipin Rawat.
12. ARMY CHIEF VISITS GEN BIPIN RAWAT'S RESIDENCE
Army Chief General Mukund Naravane visited CDS Bipin Rawat's residence.
13. A TIMELINE OF THE HELICOPTER CRASH
9 am: CDS Bipin Rawat took off from New Delhi in a special aircraft.
11.35 am: CDS Rawat and entourage reached Sulur air base and took off for Wellington air base.
12.20 pm: The IAF helicopter carrying CDS Bipin Rawat and 13 others crashes.
6.03 pm: The IAF confirms the death of CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and 11 others on board the helicopter. Gp Captain Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC with injuries, is currently under treatment at the Wellington military hospital.
14. WING COMMANDER PRITHVI SINGH CHAUHAN WAS THE PILOT
Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Chauhan was the pilot of the ill-fated helicopter carrying CDS Bipin Rawat and others. He was the Commanding Officer of the 109 Helicopter Unit.
Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Chauhan was pilot of the Mi-17V5 which crashed with 14 personnel on board including CDS Gen Bipin Rawat. He is the Commanding Officer of the 109 Helicopter Unit: Sources
— ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2021
15. PM MODI TWEETS CONDOLENCES
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he's anguished by the untimely demise of CDS Bipin Rawat and 12 others on board the ill-fated helicopter that crashed in Tamil Nadu. PM Modi said that the country will never forget the service of CDS Rawat.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2021
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
16. PRESIDENT PAYS TRIBUTE TO CDS
President Ram Nath Kovind paid tributes to CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others who perished in the chopper crash earlier today.
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
17. RAJNATH SINGH AND SMRITI IRANI EXPRESS ANGUISH
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his anguish at the demise of CDS Bipin Rawat and 12 others in the Tamil Nadu helicopter crash. In a series of tweets he said that CDS Bipin Rawat served the country with due courage and diligence.
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
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.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 8, 2021
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.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 8, 2021
Union Minister Smriti Irani changed her Twitter profile picture to that of CDS Bipin Rawat in remembrance. She also paid tributes to the CDS in an Instagram post.
18. RAHUL GANDHI PAYS TRIBUTE
I extend my condolences to the family of Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife. This is an unprecedented tragedy and our thoughts are with their family in this difficult time. Heartfelt condolences also to all others who lost their lives. India stands united in this grief.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 8, 2021
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi paid tributes to CDS Bipin Rawat and 12 others who died in the Tamil Nadu chopper crash. He said that India stands united in this moment of grief.