Helicopter crash kills India's military chief, 12 others

NEW DELHI: India's military chief General Bipin Rawat and 12 others were killed in a helicopter crash in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

There were 14 people, including Rawat's wife and his staff, on board the Indian Air Force's Mi-17V5 helicopter when it went down near Coonoor.

"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," the Indian Air Force said.

One injured officer is receiving treatment at a military hospital.

The helicopter had taken off from the Sulur Air Force Station in the Coimbatore district and was on its way to the Defence Services Staff College at Wellington in the Nilgiris district, Indian media reported.

Wellington is located about 80 km away from Coimbatore.

Rawat, 63, after his retirement as army chief became India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in 2019 when the post was created.

As CDS, he also headed the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), a newly-created body to coordinate affairs of the army, navy and the air force.

"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," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Rawat's death as "an irreparable loss" for the armed forces and India.

-- BERNAMA