IAF Chopper Crash: Army Adopts Coonoor Village, Announces Welfare Schemes

You all are god to those 14, Lieutenant General A Arun said.

The charred remains of the chopper (File photo)

Chennai: The Indian Army on Monday announced that headquarters, Dakshin Bharat Area will adopt the village of Nanjappa Sathiram, where the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of 12 personnel including CDS Bipin Rawat took place last week. The Army also provided Rs 5,000 cash award to two villagers who first witnessed the crash and informed the police.

According to a report on PTI, the Indian Army thanked the locals of the village for acting swiftly and carrying the late CDS General Bipin Rawat to a safer place in the hilly terrain on Monday. They also thanked their efforts and said that the villagers are like the "God" for attempting to save the remaining passengers in the crash that killed 13 of 14 passengers in Coonoor.

Citing the lone survivor of the crash Group Captain Varun Singh who is battling for life, General Officer Commanding Headquarter Dakshin Bharat, Lieutenant General A Arun said that it was the efforts of the people that have helped them to rescue him alive. 

He said that many of you helped the police and army due to which we were able to move all the 14 people on time and if Captain Varun Singh is still alive you are the reason.

You all are god to those 14, he said.

Further, praising the works of the villagers, Lt Gen Arun announced that a shed will be constructed for the villagers to hold functions and gatherings. A doctor and nurse will be sent to the village for conducting medical camps.