Secretary of Defense Rajnat Singh issued a statement on the IAF helicopter crash in the People’s Chamber on Thursday, which killed 13 people, including Chief of Defense Staff Biping Rawat. In describing the timeline of the fatal crash, the Secretary of Defense said that the helicopter took off from Sulu at 11:48 am and was originally scheduled to arrive at Wellington Air Force Base at 12:15 pm. At around 12:08 noon, the control room of the Suluer base lost contact with the helicopter. The Minister of Defense said that this is a scheduled visit.
After the accident, local people saw the fire reaching the scene and started rescue work. The local government is fully committed to rescue work. The Secretary of Defense listed the names of all the people who lost their lives in the crash. He said that the health of Captain Wallensinger is very important because he needs life support. The Minister of Defense said that every effort is being made to save his life. In a statement, the Minister of Defense announced a tri-service investigation into the crash. The investigation will be led by Air Marshal Manvendra Singh, the commander and helicopter pilot of the Indian Air Force Training Command.
Soon after the crash on Wednesday, the Minister of Defense visited Bipinglawat’s residence. It was announced that he will make a statement in both houses of parliament on Thursday.
India’s first CDS General Rawat was visiting the Defense Service Staff College in Wellington to speak to staff and student officials in the staff course when his helicopter crashed near Kunur in Tamil Nadu. General Rawat was appointed as India’s first Chief of Defense Staff on December 31, 2019. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff of the Army from January 2017 to December 2019. He was appointed Chief of Staff of the Indian Army in December 1978. He is a veteran of counter-insurgency warfare. CDS Rawat served in the most difficult terrain, including the northern and eastern headquarters.
Complete News Source : Hindustan times
