India’s chief of defense staff killed in helicopter crash

New Delhi, India | Xinhua | India’s Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat and 12 others including his wife were killed Wednesday in a helicopter crash in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, officials said.

“Deeply anguished by the sudden demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other armed forces personnel in an extremely unfortunate helicopter accident today in Tamil Nadu. His untimely death is an irreparable loss to our armed forces and the country,” Indian defense minister Rajnath Singh wrote on social media.

“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.”

The helicopter crashed at Coonoor area of Nilgiris district, about 538 km southwest of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.

Helicopter carrying India’s chief of defense staff crashes in Tamil Nadu

*****

Xinhua