Tri-service inquiry into chopper crash that killed CDS Bipin Rawat

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has ordered a tri-service inquiry into its chopper crash that claimed lives of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 other armed forces personnel, said Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in his statement in the Lok Sabha today.

The probe will be headed by Air Marshal Manvendra Singh and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command.

The inquiry team has already reached Wellington and started investigations, he added.

He also informed the Lok Sabha that the last rites of CDS General Bipin Rawat will be performed with full military honours. The last rites of other military personnel, who died in the IAF chopper crash, will be performed with appropriate military honour.

General Bipin Rawat and 12 others including his wife Madhulika lost their lives when IAF chopper Mi-17V5 crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. Group Captain Varun Singh, who survived the crash, is presently undergoing treatment.

The cremation of General Rawat and his wife Madhulika will be held in Cantonment area in New Delhi on December 10.