New Delhi: A versatile soldier, strategist and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 other armed forces personnel on board an Indian Air Force helicopter died in a crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.

Taking to Twitter, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said: “Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was on a visit to Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (Nilgiri Hills) to address the faculty and student officers of the Staff Course today.”

“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,” tweeted the IAF. It said Group Captain Varun Singh with injuries is currently under treatment at a military hospital in Wellington.

Offering their condolences to one of India’s finest military minds, the Indian Army said, “General Bipin Rawat, India's first CDS, was a visionary who initiated far reaching reforms in the Indian military's higher defence organisation. He was instrumental in creating the foundation of India's joint theatre commands and giving impetus to the increased indigenisation of military equipment, a legacy which will be carried on and strengthened by successive generations.” 

It further added that Mrs Madhulika Rawat, also the former President AWWA was an epitome of grace whose presence will be missed by everyone. The note from the Indian Army also read, “The deceased 11 military personnel accompanying the CDS and President DWWA on the way to Wellington will also be equally missed by everyone. They performed their duties as per the best traditions of the Armed Forces.”