• Source:JND
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New Delhi | Jagran News Desk: India's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others were killed on Wednesday when an Indian Air Force Mi-17V5 chopper crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.

According to the Indian Air Force, 13 out of the 14 onboard passengers involved in the military chopper crash in Tamil Nadu have been confirmed dead. One person survived the crash and is being treated at a hospital.

Reacting to the tragic news, Prime Minister Modi expressed his grief and wrote, "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."

"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," he added.

President of India, Ram Nath Kovind also expressed shock and anguish over the untimely death of Gen Rawat.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh expressed his grief and wrote, "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."

He further added, "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."

"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 tweeted.

"Deeply disturbed to know about the demise of CDS General#Bipin Rawat, his wife & other armed forces officials in an unfortunate Mi-17 helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu. I join our nation in mourning the loss of one of India’s finest soldiers. My condolences to his family & friends," wrote Piyush Goyal on Twitter. 

Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, "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."

"Deeply pained by the sudden demise of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife & 11 other Armed Forces personnel in an unfortunate helicopter accident today in Tamil Nadu.Huge loss to the nation. I salute Gen Rawat for his outstanding services. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families," JP Nadda expressed his grief over CDS Rawat Demise.