The Indian Air Force said 63-year-old General Rawat, his wife Madhulika and 11 other armed forces personnel died after a military helicopter crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.
India’s Test cricket captain tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of CDS Bipin Rawat ji and other officials in the tragic helicopter crash. My deepest condolences to the friends and family members.” Virat Kohli,
Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of CDS Bipin Rawat ji and other officers in a tragic helicopter crash. My d… https://t.co/DXpDKttSf7
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) 1638970489000
Expressing his condolences, Sachin Tendulkar Wrote: “General Bipin Rawat’s pride and immense commitment to India was evident. This is a sad day for India and our Defense Forces.
“Prayers for the departed soul of General Rawat, Mrs Rawat and all the defense forces personnel involved in this unfortunate incident.”
https://t.co/NLwN0OxacY
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) 163897159700
The lone survivor, Group Captain Varun Singh, is currently undergoing treatment at a military hospital in Wellington.
“Praying for the speedy recovery of Group Captain Varun Singh,” Tendulkar wrote.
Tokyo Olympic silver medalist weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and London Olympics bronze-winning shuttler Saina Nehwal He also took to the microblogging site to pray.
Mirabai tweeted, “Extremely sad news about the helicopter crash near Connur. RIP.”
Very sad news of helicopter crash near Coonoor. RIP #Bipin Rawat sir 🙏 https://t.co/UHc2x3j0SB
— Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (@mirabai_chanu) 1638968425000
Saina wrote: “Very sad to hear about the news…RIP #bipinrawat sir.”
Very sad to hear about the news…RIP #bipinrawat sir 🙏
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) 1638967033000
The Athletics Federation of India shared a two-year-old photograph of Rawat, taken during his participation in the one-mile run event.
AFI tweeted, “We have lost a great lover and supporter of the sport… Rest in Peace Chief.”
We have lost a great lover and supporter of the game. Om Shanti- AFI President Adil J Sumariwala @Adille1Photo fr… https://t.co/w2gEbZQCMx
— Athletics Federation of India (@afiindia) 1638976334000
“Such a sad loss!” AFI President Adil Sumariwala wrote.
Former India cricketers like Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, VVS Laxman And others also mourned his death, describing it as “tragic”.
Yuvraj tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the sad and untimely demise of Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Smt. Madhulika Rawat and 11 other personnel of our Armed Forces. My deepest condolences to their families and well wishers.”
Deeply saddened by the sad and untimely demise of Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Mrs Madhuli… https://t.co/713ihv3Vz0
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) 1638967584000
Former opener Virender Sehwag tweeted, “Extremely saddened to hear about the demise of Mr. Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 Army personnel in the tragic helicopter crash. Gratitude for their wonderful service to the nation.”
Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Shri #BipinRawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat & 11 Army jawans… https://t.co/F56sTL3RoH
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) 16389689060000
India pacer Mohammed Shami wrote: “Very sad news and deeply saddened to hear about Bipin Rawat and his wife in a helicopter crash. The nation will always be grateful to Sir Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 more soldiers. Peace in peace. Keep it up.” ,
Very sad news and deeply saddened to hear about Bipin Rawat and his wife in a helicopter crash. Nation Al… https://t.co/u2LL1gajAr
— Mohammed Shami (@MdShami11) 1638970572000
Former Test batsman VVS Laxman is also saddened by Rawat’s tragic loss.
“Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Shri Bipin Rawat and his wife in the tragic helicopter crash. The nation will always be grateful to General Rawat for his service to the nation.”
Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Shri. #Bipin Rawat and his wife in a tragic helicopter crash. Nation w… https://t.co/UGtXaRGDxl
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) 163896797000
Former seamer Venkatesh Prasad described Rawat as someone who made him feel like a family.
“There are some people who feel like members of our family. Our security forces feel like family and deeply saddened to hear about the demise of CDS #BipinRawat and his wife in the tragic helicopter crash. May give salvation to the brave who lost their lives.”
There are some men who feel like people in our family. Our security forces feel like family and feel immense pain… https://t.co/mymZi86LWu
— venkatesh prasad (@venkateshprasad) 1638968278000
Legendary runner PT Usha was also deeply saddened by the news of his tragic demise.
“Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of General Bipin Rawat, CDS, Mrs. Rawat and 11 others on board the chopper. My prayers for the departed souls, and deepest condolences to the families.”
Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of General Bipin Rawat, CDS, Smt. Rawat and 11 others on board the chopper.… https://t.co/IFO3qhQMwb
— PT Usha (@PTUshaOfficial) 1638968856000