Thirteen People, Including CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, Were Killed in a Tragic Helicopter Crash || Some Information about the Accident and Gen Bipin Rawat || 2021 ||

THIRTEEN PEOPLE, INCLUDING CDS GEN BIPIN RAWAT, HAD DIED IN A TRAGIC HELICOPTER CRASH :

      Thirteen people, including Chief of Defense Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, were killed in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. The Indian Air Force helicopter on which they were flying, suddenly crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. The Indian Air Force confirmed the deaths of 13 people, including CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife, in a tweet this evening.

      A total of 14 people, including a crew, were on board the helicopter, one of whom was able to save his life, the IAF said. Capt Varun Singh SC survived but is currently being treated at the Military Hospital in Wellington. Helicopter crashed in the Katteri-Nanchappanchathram area near Coonoor in hilly Nilgiris district. Low visibility in foggy conditions is believed to be the cause of the accident. CDS Gen Rawat boarded the IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter from Wellington to Sulur to attend an event at Defense Staff College with Chief of Army Staff Manoj Mukund Naravane, but about 10 kilometers from the helipad where they landed, the accident happened. The IAF tweeted that an investigation was ordered to find the cause of the accident. According to TV visuals, the helicopter caught fire as a result of the accident and rescue workers, along with army personnel, were seen clearing the area. The whole country is in mourning over this accident, President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the death of Gen Rawat and his wife Madhulika.

SPECIAL NOTES FOR ASPIRANTS :

• Gen Bipin Rawat was born on 16 March 1958 in Pauri, Uttarakhand.

• He lived in New Delhi.

• On December 30, 2019, he was appointed as the first Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) of India.

• He was a four star general of the Indian Army.

• He was in service from 16 December 1978 until his death on 8 December 2021.

• Prior to taking charge of the CDS, he was the 57th and last Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Indian Army.

• He was the 26th Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army.

• He was the 37th Vice Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army.

• He was the first Chief of Defense Staff of the Indian Armed Forces.

• He received Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal in his nearly 43 year career.

• His service number was IC-35471M.

• He served in the Indian Army as Second Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier, Major General, Lieutenant General, General (COAS) and General (CDS).

• He died in the crash of an Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter in Tamil Nadu on 8 December 2021.