PM Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Pay Last Respects To CDS Bipin Rawat, Wife & Others At Delhi

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and NSA Ajit Doval on Thursday paid their last respects to General Bipin Rawat, his wife and others who died in the MIG crash in Tamil Nadu’s Coonoor area a day back.

Mortal remains of the CDS, his wife Madhulika Rawat, Brig LS Lidder and 10 other personnel were flown back to Delhi from Sulur airbase today evening. Chiefs of Staff of the Air Force, Navy and Army were also present along with the family members of the deceased, who have been identified. 

The PM paid floral tributes at all the 13 caskets at the air base. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Army Chief MM Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, Air Chief Marshal AVR Chaudhari, defence secretary Ajay Kumar were among others who paid their last respects to the CDS and others.

Also Read: CDS Gen Rawat Was Found Alive When Rescued From Wreckage, Says Report

According to reports, only three of the 13 bodies have been identified so far. Those identified include those of General Rawat, his wife Madhulika and Brigadier LS Lidder. The bodies of those identified will be released to the families for last rites.

Also Read: CDS Gen Bipin Rawat Killed: Tri-Service Probe Ordered Into Chopper Crash: Rajnath

The bodies of General Rawat and his wife will be kept at their 3 Kamaraj Marg residence for family and friends to pay their last respects from 11 am to 12:30 pm on Friday, stated reports in ANI.

Group Captain Varun Singh, the sole survivor of the Mi17V5 helicopter crash, has suffered 80 per cent burn injuries. The officer has been shifted from the Wellington military hospital to Command Hospital in Bengaluru. The hospital authorities have reportedly barred the entry of media persons inside the premises.