Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressing the Lok Sabha. (File image)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday addressed the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over the IAF helicopter crash in which CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others died on Wednesday.

After Rajnath Singh’s statement, the Lok Sabha observed 2 minutes of silence over the deaths of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 other IAF personnel.

“With profound grief and heavy heart, I stand to convey the unfortunate news of the crash of the military helicopter in the noon of 8 December 2021, with India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat onboard: Raksha Mantri,” Defence Minister Singh said.

Also read: CDS General Bipin Rawat to be cremated on Friday

It has been reported that CDS Bipin Rawat and his wife’s funeral will take place on Friday.

According to reports, the mortal remains of CDS Rawat and his wife are expected to arrive in New Delhi on a military plane by 4 pm on Thursday.

The sole survivor of the crash Group Captain Varun Singh, Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College, is in critical condition and currently, he is undergoing treatment at the military hospital in Wellington.

There were 14 people in the chopper and 13 of them died after having taken off from Sulur in Nilgiris while it was heading to Wellington base.

Also read: CDS General Bipin Rawat no more, condolences pour in

Defence Minister Singh said a tri-Service probe regarding the incident has been ordered by Indian Air Force, headed by Air Marshal Manvendra Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command.

He said the Chief of Defence Staff will be cremated with full military honours.

“I, on behalf of the august House, pay homage to the deceased persons and express condolences to the bereaved families,” Singh added.