New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday led the nation in extending their condolences on the demise of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and other armed forces personnel in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.
“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,” the President of India tweeted.
Prime Minister Modi said that he was “deeply anguished” by the helicopter crash, adding his thoughts are with the bereaved families.
“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,” he tweeted.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also offered his condolences to those who lost their lives in the chopper crash and prayed for the speedy recovery of Group Captain Varun Singh.
“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,” he wrote on the micro-blogging platform.
"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," he added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed similar sentiments stating General Rawat’s “exemplary contributions” and “commitment can't be put into words”.
“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,” Shah tweeted.
“I also express my deepest condolences on the sad demise of Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other Armed Forces personnel. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May God give them the strength to bear this tragic loss. Praying for the speedy recovery of Gp Capt Varun Singh,” he added.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on his part said “this is an unprecedented tragedy” and added India “stands united” in this grief.
“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,” he tweeted.
Earlier in the day, an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter Mi 17 V-5 carrying the Chief of Defence Staff and 13 others crashed in the forest area in the Nilgiris near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.
General Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others on board died in the unfortunate accident.