Hours after the tragic army helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu, details of one deceased official has been released. According to the latest reports, Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Chauhan was
the pilot of Mi-17V5 which was carrying CDS General Bipin Rawat and 13 others.
Prithvi Chauhan was the Commanding Officer of the 109 Helicopter Unit.
13 out of 14 personnel on board the chopper have been declared dead. Bipin Rawat, according to reports, have been treated in hospital and is said to be in a critical condition.
"Saddened to hear that the IAF chopper carrying CDS General Bipin Rawat crashed. I am trying to gather more information on the incident. As per preliminary information, he has been
taken to hospital for treatment," Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai was quoted saying by a top news agency.
Meanwhile, a female body has been recovered from the crash site. The body is expected to be Gen Rawat's wife Madhulika Rawat, who was accompanying him.
Wife of Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Dr Madhulika Rawat is the President of AWWA (Army Wives Welfare Association). She is tasked with the welfare of Army wives, children, and dependents.
AWWA is one of India's major non-governmental organisations. Madhulika Rawat had participated in a number of welfare programmes and initiatives aimed at helping Veer Naris (Army widows)
and differently-abled children.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh has reached the Delhi residence of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat. The union minister has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the tragic chopper crash and will
address parliament tomorrow.