'Group Captain Varun Singh Served Nation With Pride, Valour': PM Modi & Others Mourn Death Of IAF Officer

President Ram Nath Kovind said Group Captain Varun Singh displayed the soldierly spirit of valour and indomitable courage despite being badly injured in the chopper crash.

Varun Singh was the lone survivor of the Mi-17V-5 helicopter crash in which Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat died last week (File)

New Delhi: Condolences poured in from different sections after Group Captain Varun Singh, who was the lone survivor of the IAF helicopter crash near Coonoor, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Varun Singh's "rich service to the nation will never be forgotten". "Group Captain Varun Singh served the nation with pride, valour and utmost professionalism. I am extremely anguished by his passing away. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti," PM Modi tweeted.

IAF is deeply saddened to inform the passing away of braveheart Group Captain Varun Singh, who succumbed this morning to the injuries sustained in the helicopter accident on 08 Dec 21. IAF offers sincere condolences and stands firmly with the bereaved family.

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 15, 2021

President Ram Nath Kovind said Group Captain Varun Singh displayed the soldierly spirit of valour and indomitable courage despite being badly injured in the chopper crash.

READ | India Salutes CDS Gen Bipin Rawat: Top Army General Cremated, Nation Mourns

"Sad to learn that Group Captain Varun Singh breathed his last after putting up a valiant fight for life. The nation is grateful to him. My condolences to his family," Kovind tweeted.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Group Captain Varun Singh "was a true fighter who fought till his last breath".

Group Captain Varun Singh served the nation with pride, valour and utmost professionalism. I am extremely anguished by his passing away. His rich service to the nation will never be forgotten. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 15, 2021

Home Minister Amit Shah said he was "deeply pained" at the demise of Varun Singh. "May God bless the Brave's soul and give strength to his family," he tweeted.

Calling it a sad moment for the country, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "My heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Group Captain Varun Singh. We all are with you in this grief." West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said the entire nation "will always remember your invaluable service".

"Varun Singh fought a tough battle like a true soldier for a week. My respects to the departed soul for his services to India and condolences to his family," Union Minister Piyush Goyal posted on Koo.

 

Koo App

Deeply anguished by the passing away of Group Captain Varun Singh, the sole survivor of the tragic helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu. He fought a tough battle like a true soldier for a week. My respects to the departed soul for his services to India & condolences to his family.

View attached media content

- Piyush Goyal (@piyushgoyal) 15 Dec 2021

Varun Singh was the lone survivor of the Mi-17V-5 helicopter crash in which Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika and 11 armed forces personnel were killed last week.

The Indian Air Force helicopter crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu shortly after it took off from Sulur Air Base in Coimbatore.

Last Thursday, Varun Singh was shifted to the Command Hospital in Bengaluru from Wellington in Tamil Nadu. He was admitted to a hospital in Wellington with severe burn injuries on Wednesday following the crash.

Group Captain Singh was conferred with the Shaurya Chakra in August for averting a possible mid-air accident after his Tejas light combat aircraft was hit by a major technical snag last year.