India’s first Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat dies in IAF chopper crash in Tamil Nadu

India’s first Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat died in an IAF chopper crash in Tamil Nadu near Nilgiri district on Thursday.

Rawat along with his wife Madhulika and 11 others including Brigadier L S Lidder, senior-most staff officer of CDS, died in that unfortunate accident.

The official Twitter account of the Indian Air Force announced on Thursday evening. It reads, “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.”

The visuals from the accident site showed massive flames as the rescue operation was going on. Source further reported that the accident occurred due to poor visibility following dense fog in the forest area.

Ever since the news has been confirmed, country heads to cabinet ministers to political leaders have been pouring their condolences on Twitter.

President of India, Mr. Ramnath Kovind, wrote, “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 were marked by exceptional gallantry and heroism. My condolences to his family.”

Cabinet head and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to share his condolences, he wrote, “Gen Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier. A true patriot, he greatly contributed to modernizing our armed forces and security apparatus. His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply. Om Shanti.”

While Home Minister Amit Shah wrote, “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.”

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed his condolences calling it an unprecedented tragedy. He wrote, “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.”

General Bipin Rawat had been announced the first Chief of the Defense Staff of India and he took over the position on 1st January 2020. After occupying the position of the foremost military officer of India, Bipin Rawat became one of the most celebrated power personalities in the country.

He ranked above the other four-star military officials heading Army, Air Force, and Navy and held the position of Principal Military Advisor to the Defense Ministry.

Belonging to a military background, General Bipin Rawat became the 27th Chief of Army on December 31, 2016, before taking over the position of CDS.

The mortal remains of the CDS and his wife will likely reach Delhi by Thursday evening where their last rites are going to be held.