The country’s first Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat is no more. He along with his wife and 11 other officers were killed in a helicopter crash that took place in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu today. Many leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind have expressed deep condolences on the death of cDS Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others. PM has said that I am deeply saddened by the helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.
PM Modi said in tweet “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.”
In Another Tweet PM Said ”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.”
“As India’s first CDS, Gen Rawat worked on diverse aspects relating to our armed forces including defence reforms. He brought with him a rich experience of serving in the Army. India will never forget his exceptional service.” PM added.
At the same time, President Ram Nath Kovind said
“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.”
Also Read – IAF Helicopter Crash: Know Who Is CDS Bipin Rawat, A Man Of Mission And His Story Of Bravery
He adds ” It’s deeply painful for me to learn of the loss of lives in the chopper crash. I join the fellow citizens in paying tributes to each of those who died while performing their duty. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted saying “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.
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.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted on the death of CDS Rawat and said ‘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.”
 General Bipin Rawat is no more. He along with his wife and 11 other officers were killed in a helicopter crash that took place in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu today.){kind=link}