The lone survivor of the Tamil Nadu chopper crash, Group Captain Varun Singh, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital on Wednesday. He was under treatment at Command Hospital in Bengaluru. He was shifted to the Air Force Command hospital last Thursday from Wellington’s Military Hospital for further treatment. The Group Captain’s medical condition was said to be critical but stable.
“IAF is deeply saddened to inform the passing away of braveheart Group Captain Varun Singh, who succumbed this morning to the injuries sustained in the helicopter accident on December 8. IAF offers sincere condolences and stands firmly with the bereaved family,” the IAF tweeted. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika and 11 armed forces personnel were killed in the Mi-17V5 helicopter crash near Coonoor.
The Group Captain was recently conferred with the Shaurya Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind for his act of exceptional gallantry. On Friday, the bodies of General Rawat, his wife and his defence assistant Brigadier L.S. Lidder were cremated with full military honours in the Brar Square crematorium in the national capital.
President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday condoled the demise of Group Captain Varun Singh. “Sad to learn that Group Captain Varun Singh breathed his last after putting up a valiant fight for life. Though badly injured in the chopper crash, he displayed the soldierly spirit of valour and indomitable courage. The nation is grateful to him. My condolences to his family,” the President said on Twitter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday condoled the demise of Group Captain Varun Singh, and said that the latter’s rich service to the nation will never be forgotten. “Group Captain Varun Singh served the nation with pride, valour and utmost professionalism. I am extremely anguished by his passing away. His rich service to the nation will never be forgotten. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti,” PM Modi tweeted.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other ministers also condoled the Group Captain’s demise. Taking to Twitter, Rajnath Singh said,” Pained beyond words to learn of the demise of IAF pilot, Group Captain Varun Singh. He was a true fighter who fought till his last breath. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends. We stand firmly with the family, in this hour of grief.”
“Deeply pained to learn about the passing away of Group Captain Varun Singh, who was battling with the injuries after the helicopter accident in Coonoor. May God bless the Brave’s soul and give strength to his family. My deepest condolences. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,” Shah tweeted.