LIVE IAF helicopter crash updates: PM Modi pays last respects to CDS General Bipin Rawat

Mortal remains of Gen Rawat and his wife will be kept at their residence for the general public to pay their final respects from 11 am to 12:30pm IST Friday (December 10).

Military personnel will pay their respects to the defence chief and his wife between 12:30pm IST and 1:30pm IST. 

Read: PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat

The three service chiefs - Army chief Gen MM Naravane, Navy chief admiral R Hari Kumar and IAF chief marshal VR Chaudhari pay last respects to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat including 11 armed forces personnel who lost their lives in the military chopper crash on Wednesday.

 

Daughter of India's Chief of Defence(CDS) Staff General Bipin Rawat pays her respects in front of his coffin during a tribute ceremony at Palam Air Force station in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays last respects to CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat at Palam airbase in New Delhi.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh also paid homage to General Bipin Rawat and his wife at Palam airbase on Thursday.

India's defence minister met families of General Rawat and other Armed forces personnel who lost their lives after the chopper crashed in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.

India's National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval arrived at Palam airbase to pay homage to CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madulika Rawat including 11 others.

 

Families of defence personnel pay tribute to CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat at New Delhi.

The IAF plane also brought the mortal remains of wife of CDS Bipin Rawat, Madhulika Rawat, as officials paid their last respects.

Earlier the cockpit voice recorder of the crashed plane was recovered.

IAF plane carrying mortal remains of CDS General Bipin Rawat arrives at Palam airbase in New Delhi
 

In a mark of respect, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan will be sending top Army officials at the Cremation of CDS Bipin Rawat and  his wife that will take place on Friday

The cremation is expected to take place at Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment. Sri Lanka will be represented by chief of defence staff and commander of the Sri Lankan Army, Gen Shavendra Silva. He will be accompanied by Ex-CDS Adm Ravi Wijegunaratne, (retd) who was the coursemate of CDS from National Defence College, India.

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Mortal remains of General Bipin Rawat to arrive in Delhi on Friday evening.

Lone survivor Group Captain Varun Singh being shifted to Bengaluru, says his father

IAF Group Captain Varun Singh, the lone survivor of the helicopter crash, is being shifted to Bengaluru from the Army hospital at Wellington in Tamil Nadu, his father said on Thursday.

Talking to PTI over the phone, Group Captain Varun Singh's father Colonel K P Singh (retired), who is a resident of Bhopal, said, "He is being shifted to Bengaluru. I have reached Wellington."

Asked about his son's condition, he said, "I can't say anything about that...I am not sure."

MK Stalin arrives to pay respect to Bipin Rawat

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, MK Stalin, arrives to pay respect to Bipin Rawat, his wife and other defence personnel who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter crash on Wednesday.

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Enquiry ordered

A tri-service enquiry regarding the incident has been ordered by Indian Air Force, Rajnath Singh says. The enquiry will be headed by Air Marshal Manvendra Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command, Rajnath Singh says in the Parliament.

Group Captain Varun Singh, sole survivor of chopper crash, is on life support, Rajnath Singh confirms.

"Group Captain Varun Singh is on life support in Military Hospital, Wellington. All efforts are being made to save his life," he said.

(Image courtesy: Twitter)

 

Indian defence minister issues statement in Parliament on the helicopter crash that took lives of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and colleagues.

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Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder of the Mi-17V5 chopper that crashed yesterday with CDS Gen Bipin Rawat has been recovered from the site, ANI reports claim

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken offered condolences on the deaths of India's CDS, his wife, and colleagues.

"My deep condolences on the deaths of Indian Chief of Defense Staff General Rawat, his wife, and colleagues who perished in today’s tragic accident. We'll remember Gen. Rawat as an exceptional leader who served his country and contributed to the U.S.-India defense relationship," he tweeted.

 

Rajnath Singh to make a statement in Rajya Sabha

Indian Defence minister to make a statement in Lok Sabha at 11 am and in Rajya Sabha at 11:30 am on the crash in Tamil Nadu and demise of India's CDS Bipin Rawat.

 

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, along with Tamil Nadu DGP C Sylendra Babu, visited the chopper crash site near Coonoor in Nilgiris district

Nepal Army pays tribute to General Bipin Rawat

"COAS Gen Prabhu Ram Sharma and all ranks of the Nepali Army pay their deepest condolences on the untimely demise of Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Rawat and 11 others in the unfortunate accident," said the tweet.

 

Antony Blinken remembers 'exceptional leader' General Bipin Rawat

"My deep condolences on the deaths of Indian Chief of Defense Staff General Rawat, his wife, and colleagues who perished in today’s tragic accident. We'll remember Gen. Rawat as an exceptional leader who served his country and contributed to the U.S.-India defense relationship," tweeted US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

 

 

'Gen Bipin Rawat will be remembered for his dynamic leadership and vision'

"Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari & all personnel of IAF express their deepest condolences on the untimely passing away of India's first Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat & Mrs Madhulika Rawat, along with 11 other Service personnel in an unfortunate helicopter crash today," IAF tweeted. 

 

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will make a statement on the military helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu in both the Houses of Parliament tomorrow. 

Indian cricketers lead tributes

Virat Kohli wrote, "Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of CDS Bipin Rawat ji and other officials in a tragic helicopter crash. My deepest condolences to the friends & family members."

 

Benjamin Netanyahu said that his thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims

Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was 'deeply saddened' after the news of the chopper crash that killed India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and 12 others. 

 

 

US Embassy extends condolences to Bipin Rawat's family

Here is the full statement released by US Embassy

'The US Embassy extends its deepest condolences to the Rawat family and the families of those who perished in the tragic helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.

As India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat spearheaded a historic period of transformation in the Indian military. He was a strong friend and partner of the United States, overseeing a major expansion of India’s defense cooperation with the U.S. military. In September, he spent five days traveling throughout the United States as part of a counterpart visit with General Mark Milley to discuss military developments and opportunities to enhance our cooperation with like-minded countries. His legacy will continue on.

Our thoughts are with the Indian people and the Indian military, and we pray for Group Captain Varun Singh’s full recovery.'
 

'Deeply anguished': PM Modi leads condolences after India's CDS Gen Bipin Rawat dies in chopper crash

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid heartfelt condolences and said Gen Bipin Rawat's untimely death is an "irreparable loss" to our Armed Forces and the country...Read more

 

Indian Army issues statement on tragic demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat

Here's the full statement

'General MM Naravane and all ranks of the Indian Army express their deepest grief and sorrow over the untimely demise of General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs Madhulika Rawat, President DWWA and 11 other military personnel in an unfortunate air accident today on 08 Dec.

General Bipin Rawat, India's first CDS, was a visionary who initiated far reaching reforms in the Indian military's higher defence organisation. He was instrumental in creating the foundation of India's joint theatre commands and giving impetus to the increased indigenisation of military equipment, a legacy which will be carried on and strengthened by successive generations.

Mrs Madhulika Rawat, also the former President AWWA was an epitome of grace whose presence will be missed by everyone. 

The deceased 11 military personnel accompanying the CDS and President DWWA on the way to Wellington will also be equally missed by everyone. They performed their duties as per the best traditions of the Armed Forces.'
 

Australian high commissioner pays tribute to Bipin Rawat

"Our deepest sympathies to the families of CDS General Bipin Rawat, Madhulika Rawat & others on the helicopter. #defence relationship have thrived during General Rawat's tenure. #RIP #bipinrawat," tweeted Barry O’Farrell, Australia's High Commissioner to India

 

Mortal remains to be brought to Delhi by tomorrow: Report

Mortal remains of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat along with his wife and others are expected to be brought to New Delhi by tomorrow evening, says news agency ANI

I am deeply shocked, says Indian Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu

"Deeply shocked by the tragic death of Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, his spouse Smt. Madhulika Rawat, senior officials of the armed forces & others in a helicopter crash in  Coonoor, Tamil Nadu," he tweeted

 

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expresses grief

"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 breaved families," tweeted Indian PM Narendra Modi

 

 

Gen Bipin Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff: A life dedicated to the nation

The first CDS was a veteran of counterinsurgency warfare and served in some of the most difficult terrains of India, including the northern and eastern commands...Read More

 

A very sad day for nation: Home Minister Amit Shah

"A very sad day for the nation as we have lost our CDS, General Bipin Rawat Ji in a very tragic accident. He was one of the bravest soldiers, who has served the motherland with utmost devotion. His exemplary contributions & commitment cannot be put into words. I am deeply pained," tweeted India's Home Minister Amit Shah

 

CDS Bipin Rawat passes away in chopper crash, 12 others dead

"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," tweeted Indian Air Force

13 out of 14 people onboard have died: Report

Indian news agency PTI quoted a local official as saying that 13 people have died and one man survived the crash of a military chopper carrying India's Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat.
 

Bipin Rawat chopper crash: Cabinet Committee on Security to go in a huddle

Cabinet Committee on Security will meet at 6:30 pm today

Australian high commissioner expresses sadness over chopper crash

"Deeply saddened to hear the terrible news of the helicopter accident involving Flag of India CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife, staff and Air Force crew," tweeted Australia's High Commissioner to india Barry O’Farrell

Indian Air Force helicopter carrying CDS Gen Bipin Rawat crashes: Here's what we know so far

Indian Air Force stated that an inquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident and ascertain the cause of the accident... Read more

 

 

 

13 out of 14 onboard crashed chopper confirmed dead: ANI

13 out of 14 people onboard the crashed chopper have been confirmed dead, reported news agency ANI.

DNA analysis will be conducted to ascertain identity.

Indian Army chief General MM Naravane briefs Defence MInister

Indian Army chief General MM Naravane has briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about crash of the chopper that was carrying Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat 

 

India's Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to visit the spot of the military chopper crash

 

Govt to issue a statement on the copter crash in Parliament tomorrow

Government likely to issue a statement tomorrow in Parliament on the crash of the military chopper with Chief of Defence Staff on board: Sources

Defence Minister briefs Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has left residence of CDS Bipin Rawat. He has briefed Prime MInister Narendra Modi.

Security around Rawat's residence in New Delhi has been raised

Timeline of the mishap

11.47 am: Helicopter takes off from Sulur base.

12.20 pm: Accident takes place

2.30 pm: Fire doused after half an hour struggle with flames
 

Defence MInister Rajnath Singh has reached Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat's residence in New Delhi

 

Latest visuals from the crash site

Images from the crash site of an Indian Air Force helicopter showed enormous flames and villagers assisting with the first rescue efforts.

 

 

Three individuals were rescued from the downed chopper, according to health personnel on the scene.

The chopper crashed in a small habitat on a tea estate at Kattery, some 7 kilometres from Coonoor, in a gorge. 

14 people were on board the Indian Air Force chopper

The IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter was airborne from Sulur for Wellington. There were 14 persons on board that crashed between Coimbatore and Sulur in Tamil Nadu. 

They included CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat

Brig LS Lidder

Lt Col Harjinder Singh

NK Gursewak Singh

NK Jitendra Kr

L/Naik Vivek Kumar

L/Naik B Sai Teja

Hav Satpa

 

 

According to sources, Rawat’s staff and some family members were also on board in a Mi-series helicopter.

On January 1, 2020, Rawat was named as the country's first Chief of Defense Staff.

In one of the most important reorganisations in the Defence Ministry in decades, he was appointed head of the newly created Department of Military Affairs.

Before becoming the CDS, he had served as the Army's Chief of Staff for three years.