As per the IAF statement, Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was on a visit to Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (Nilgiri Hills) to address the faculty and student officers of the Staff Course today. Around noon today, an IAF Mi 17 V5 helicopter with a crew of 4 members carrying the CDS and 9 other passengers met with a tragic accident near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. The statement further added that, “With deep regret, it has now been ascertained that Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other persons on board have died in the unfortunate accident.”
IAF also informed that, Group Capt Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC with injuries is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington.
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Bhutan PM extends condolences over the demise of CDS Bipin Rawat & 12 others. “Heartaching to learn of helicopter crash in India, claiming 13 precious lives, including the CDS Gen. Bipin Rawat and wife. People of Bhutan and I offer prayers for India and the bereaved families.”
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DRDO pays homage to General Bipin Rawat, the nation’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), his wife and 11 armed forces personnel
Untimely demise of General Rawat has left a deep void and is a major loss to the nation: DRDO
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In today’s Cabinet Committee on Security meeting headed by PM Modi, all members observed two minutes of silence & paid tributes to all those who have lost their lives in the military chopper crash
– GoI sources
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Mrs Madhulika Rawat, also the former President AWWA was an epitome of grace whose presence will be missed by everyone
– Indian Army
General Bipin Rawat, India’s first CDS, was a visionary who initiated far reaching reforms in the Indian military’s higher defence organisation. He was instrumental in creating the foundation of India’s joint theatre commands and giving impetus to the increased indigenisation of military equipment, a legacy which will be carried on and strengthened by successive generations
– Indian Army
It’s deeply painful for me to learn about the demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat. He devoted his life to the nation. My condolences to his family
– Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami
A huge loss to our Armed Forces: N Chandrababu Naidu
I join the nation in mourning the death of Gen Bipin Rawat Ji, Mrs Madhulika Rawat Ji and 11 other persons on board… https://t.co/yInuJM6aOd
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) 1638969956000
Known for his remarkable leadership and strategic vision, General Rawat added great strength to our defence capabilities and made a stellar contribution to strengthening our national security. His outstanding service to our nation will always be remembered
– Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu
Deeply shocked: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on the demise of Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat
Deeply shocked by the tragic death of Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, his spouse Smt. Madhulika Rawat,… https://t.co/4nXACj0esI
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) 1638969455000
Gen Rawat’s Chopper Crash: Congress tweets condolence
We offer our heartfelt condolences on the demise of Madhulika Rawat, the wife of the CDS Gen. Bipin Rawat, and othe… https://t.co/gl1KfnBMgO
— Congress (@INCIndia) 1638969264000
An irreparable loss to the nation: Naveen Patnaik
Deeply saddened by the demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen #BipinRawat, his wife & 11 other Defence personnel in a… https://t.co/GwDsPVqrnd
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) 1638969152000
The dynamic and inspiring leadership of General Bipin Rawat shall remain eternally etched in our memories. The Indian Armed Forces will forever remain indebted to his invaluable contributions.
– Additional Directorate General of Public Information, Indian Army
General MM Naravane COAS & All Ranks of Indian Army pay heartfelt condolences on the untimely demise of General Bipin Rawat CDS, Mrs Madhulika Rawat & 11 other passengers on board, in an unfortunate air crash at Coonoor
– Indian Army
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
– Piyush Goyal
Gen Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier: PM
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: PM Modi
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 Modi
Huge loss to the nation: JP Nadda on the demise of Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat
Deeply pained by the sudden demise of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife & 11 other Armed Forces personnel in an unfortu… https://t.co/sUQkhrlFNu
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) 1638967944000
PM Modi expresses anguish over the demise of Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat
I am deeply anguished by the helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu in which we have lost Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and oth… https://t.co/wGVDOn7ga5
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1638968342000
The mortal remains of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife along with other Armed Forces personnel killed in the chopper crash expected to arrive in Delhi by evening tomorrow.
Reports ANI
President Kovind extends condolences on the demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat
I am shocked and anguished over the untimely demise of Gen. Bipin Rawat and his wife, Madhulika ji. The nation has… https://t.co/X3HVRqydh1
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) 1638968189000
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
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
– Rajnath Singh
Amit Shah expresses condolences on the demise of Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other Armed Forces personnel
I also express my deepest condolences on the sad demise of Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other Armed Forces personnel.… https://t.co/1F0iRsBAl4
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) 1638967801000
Nitin Gadkari on CDS Gen. Bipin Rawat’s demise
Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of CDS Gen. Bipin Rawat ji, his wife Smt. Madhulika Rawat and 11 armed forc… https://t.co/8TV6TKFXjH
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) 1638967542000
Deeply shocked at tragic demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife: Jaishankar
Deeply shocked at tragic demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife. We worked closely together in the last fe… https://t.co/4ekfLtmNu7
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) 1638967291000
Gp Capt Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC with injuries is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington.
– IAF
Around noon today, an IAF Mi 17 V5 helicopter with a crew of 4 members carrying the CDS and 9 other passengers met with a tragic accident near Coonoor, TN.
– IAF
Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was on a visit to Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (Nilgiri Hills) to address the faculty and student officers of the Staff Course today
– IAF
Deeply anguished by the sudden demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat: Rajnath Singh
Deeply anguished by the sudden demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other Armed Forces… https://t.co/g0zeqmMl6J
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) 1638967009000
With deep regret, it has now been ascertained that Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other persons on board have died in the unfortunate accident.
– IAF
Consensus reached on govt’s fresh proposal, awaiting formal communication on letterhead by Centre
– Samkyukta Kisan Morcha
No decision yet on calling off agitation, another meeting to be held tomorrow (Dec 9)
– Farmer leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni
Helicopter crash: CCS to meet at 6.30pm
- The Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is scheduled to meet at 6.30pm to discuss the situation arising out of the crash of a military helicopter with chief of defence staff Gen Bipin Rawat and several other officers on board on Wednesday near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. The meeting will be attended by defence minister Rajnath Singh and home minister Amit Shah among others.
We have accepted the revised draft given by the Centre over our demands in regard to farmers agitation against three farm laws. We will hold a meeting again tomorrow as soon we receive a formal letter from Centre. Protest is still underway, says Gurnam Singh Charuni, BKU
Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Chauhan was pilot of the Mi-17V5 which crashed with 14 personnel on board including CDS Gen Bipin Rawat. He is the Commanding Officer of the 109 Helicopter Unit: Sources
Reports ANI
CDS chopper crash: All you need to know about Mi17V5 helicopter
- The Mi17V5 helicopter, which crashed with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Bipin Rawat and 13 other people onboard on Wednesday, is an advanced military transport chopper that has been with the Indian Air Force (IAF) since 2012.
- Manufactured by Russian Helicopters’ subsidiary Kazan, the helicopter has an onboard weather radar and is equipped with the latest generation of night vision devices.
- It also has the new PKV-8 autopilot system and a KNEI-8 avionics suite. It can carry a maximum take off weight of 13,000 kg and maximum payload weight of 4,000 kg.
- India had in 2008 signed a deal with Russia to induct 80 Mi17V5 medium lift helicopters for strengthening its chopper fleet for humanitarian and disaster relief missions and transport operations.
- The contract was later expanded for delivery of 151 Mi17V5 helicopters. The first batch of these helicopters came to India in September 2011.
- In February 2012, the IAF had formally Mi17V5 helicopters from Russia to enhance its operational capabilities including carrying troops and cargo to high altitude areas.
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to meet at 6:30 PM today.
13 of the 14 personnel involved in the military chopper crash in Tamil Nadu have been confirmed dead. Identities of the bodies to be confirmed through DNA testing: Sources
Reports ANI
Army Chief General MM Naravane briefs Defence Minister Rajnath Singh over the incident of the crash of a military chopper in Tamil Nadu, that was also carrying CDS Gen Bipin Rawat.
Reports ANI
Ministry concerned will share information on chopper crash in Tamil Nadu: Union Minister Anurag Thakur at cabinet briefing
Reports PTI
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin says he going to the spot of the military chopper crash involving CDS Bipin Rawat
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin says he going to the spot of the military chopper crash involving CDS Bipin Rawat. He say… https://t.co/GAjhtisC7V
— ANI (@ANI) 1638960379000
CDS chopper crash: Latest visuals
#WATCH | Latest visuals from military chopper crash site in Tamil Nadu. CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his staff and some f… https://t.co/crazYsGKaP
— ANI (@ANI) 1638960003000
Government likely to issue a statement tomorrow in Parliament on the crash of the military chopper with Chief of Defence Staff on board: Sources
Reports ANI
CDS chopper crash: Rajnath asks IAF chief to rush to spot
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has asked Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari to reach the military aircraft crash site in Tamil Nadu where the chopper carrying Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat met an accident on Wednesday.
While the exact cause behind the crash is not known yet, official sources said the accident may have happened due to poor visibility following heavy fog.
Delhi | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh leaves from the residence of CDS Bipin Rawat
Reports ANI
Visuals: Rajnath Singh reaches the residence of CDS Bipin Rawat
Delhi | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaches the residence of CDS Bipin Rawat https://t.co/05DismLAq9
— ANI (@ANI) 1638958712000
Saddened to hear that the IAF chopper carrying CDS General Bipin Rawat crashed. I am trying to gather more information on the incident. As per preliminary information, he has been taken to hospital for treatment: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai
I have reached here (chopper crash site) on the instructions of the CM. Out of the 14 people on board, five people have died and the situation of two others is critical. Rescue operation is underway
– Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K Ramachandran
Former Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh expresses grief over the accident
Extremely sad to see the images of the chopper crash with CDS Bipin Rawat and his wife on board. Praying for the safety of all.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) 1638952811000
Official sources say all the injured people on board the helicopter have been evacuated from the spot.
Reports PTI
IAF chopper crash: Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari is reaching Sulur airbase, say sources
Pic: ANI

Hoping for safety of CDS General Bipin Rawat, others: Rahul Gandhi
Hoping for the safety of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and others onboard the chopper. Prayers for speedy recovery.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) 1638953359000
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expresses grief over the accident
Extremely tragic news coming in from Coonoor. Today, the entire nation prays for the safety of those who were onbo… https://t.co/4bD8IllDiZ
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) 1638956173000
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is monitoring the situation following crash of IAF chopper carrying CDS Bipin Rawat & others. A meeting of senior Defence Ministry officials is underway. Singh has briefed the PM about the crash: Sources
As per the health officials present at the spot, three people were rescued from the crashed chopper. The chopper crashed in a gorge near a small habitat in a tea estate near Kattery, around 7km from Coonoor. According to eyewitnesses, more bodies have been found trapped under the debris of the chopper.
Reports TOI
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