Gen Bipin Rawat Funeral Updates: CDS laid to rest with military honours, 17-gun salute

Ashes' immersion of CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat will be done in Haridwar, Uttarakhand tomorrow around noon. Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt and several other senior dignitaries from the state to be present on the occasion. 

Defence Minister of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto signed the condolence book in Jakarta on the tragic loss of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat. He wrote, "CDS Gen Bipin Rawat of the Indian Armed Forces was a good friend and a great Indian patriot. May he rest in peace."

"When it came to performing his duty as CDS, Gen Bipin Rawat’s dedication was like that of a saint. He was a simple man, very strict towards doing his duties but equally soft when it came to helping common people. His demise is a big loss for the country", Defence MoS Ajay Bhatt told ANI.

"People had requested that they want to pay tribute to Gen Bipin Rawat and soldiers who died in the helicopter crash. This is a tribute from the people of Kashmir at the war memorial in Srinagar", Lt Gen DP Pandey, GOC, Srinagar's Chinar Corps.

People of Srinagar paid tribute to General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and 11 other army personnel who died in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.

Their daughters Kritika and Tarini performed their last rites.

"Late General Bipin Rawat was one of the bravest soldiers in the country. His sudden demise is a huge loss for the entire country. We have paid tribute to him. He will forever be in our memories", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

As the nation mourns the unfathomable demise of India's first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat, the Indian Army has left no stone unturned to make arrangements for their last rites. The couple succumbed to injuries on December 8 after an Indian Air Force Mi-17V5 helicopter carrying 14 defence personnel crashed in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor.

The CDS along with his wife and 12 personnel of the defence staff were travelling to a college in Wellington when the devastating mishap took 13 lives. Notably, Group Captain Varun Singh is the lone survivor of the horrifying episode and was on life support at the Military Hospital in Wellington before he was taken to Bengaluru for further treatment. All efforts are reportedly being made to save his life. 

General Bipin Rawat's daughters light his funeral pyre as India's first CDS is laid to rest

Daughters of General Bipin Rawat & Dr Madhulika Rawat- Tarini & Kritika- will perform last rites at Delhi's Brar Square. 

CDS General Rawat & Mrs Rawat's daughters- Kritika and Tarini- join in prayer as the last-rites are performed at Brar Square amid notable civilian, military and ministerial delegates & Envoys. 

The mortal remains of CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat have been laid at Brar Square crematorium, Delhi Cantonment. 

Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India and Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India pay tribute to CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat.

Ravi Shankar Prasad arrived at CDS Rawat's residence to pay homage to the couple who left for heavenly abode. 

"I had close ties with him (CDS Bipin Rawat). He always welcomed me with a smile whenever we met. We have discussed several matters in the past. It is shocking that such a brave soldier of the country lost his life with his wife in such a situation. This is a major loss for the country," RS Prasad said.

Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner stated that the untimely demise of Gen Bipin Rawat is a great loss to India. He said, "It's incredibly sad. He was a pioneer as he started the joint defence approach which we follow in the UK. He led that approach in India. It's very sad for India to lose a great leader, a soldier & a thoroughly nice man".

"He was somebody who invested a lot in improving the links b/w the UK & India in the area of defence. So, it's a great loss. We remember him, his wife & all others who died in the crash, including many close friends of the British High Commission," he added. 

"I wanted to pay tribute & to come in person for that ceremony as we remember him as a great military leader, emphatic, warm, determined & great friend to move forward cooperation with my country. He'll be really fondly remembered", Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France.

"A real tragedy. Our President today sent the CDS & Army Command of Sri Lanka as his envoy for the ceremony. We're heartbroken. Most of the senior personnel in our military have known him well. He was Sri Lanka's friend," Milinda Moragoda Sri Lanka's High Commissioner said.

Citizens raise slogans of "Jab tak suraj chaand rahega, Bipin Ji ka naam rahega", as the cortège of CDS General Bipin Rawat proceeds towards Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath pays tribute to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat before his mortal remains were carried to Brar Square in Delhi Cantt. 

Following Senior Military Commanders from Friendly Foreign Countries have arrived at New Delhi to attend the final farewell of Gen Bipin Rawat, our CDS

Srilanka

•    Gen Shavendra Silva, Chief of Def Staff and Commander of the Sri Lanka Army.

•    Admiral Ravindra Chandrasiri Wijegunaratne (Retd), Former Chief of Defence Staff (his course mate at National Defence College and a dear friend)

Bhutan

Brig Dorji Rinchen, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, Royal Bhutan Army 

Nepal

Suprobal Janasewashree Lt Gen Bal Krishna Karki, Chief of General Staff (equivalent to Vice Chief of Army Staff), Nepali Army 

Bangladesh

Lt Gen Waker-UZ-Zaman, Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division, Bangladesh

Amid roaring 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', tri-service officers carry mortal remains of CDS Rawat & Mrs Madhulika Rawat for last rites to Brar Square from his Delhi residence. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at CDS Rawat's residence to pay floral tribute before the last rites. 

• Nearly 800 military and service personnel are estimated to attend the last rites of India's first Chief of Defence Staff & AWWA President Dr Madhulika Rawat. 
• 99 officials of the tri-services will form the front escort
• 17 Gun Salute will be accorded to CDS Rawat as the nation bids final adieu to the top Indian Army Officer

Sources told Republic TV that CDS General Bipin Rawat travelled to Wellington by the IAF helicopter as the weather at Coonoor was clear. As per the details emerging after the completion of the first round of the investigation, a carcade was also on standby at the Sulur Air Base to deal with the contingency of rough weather. Moreover, sources indicated that the chopper might have crashed into a hill as the spread of the wreckage is wide.

Earlier in the day, sources revealed that the helicopter had announced its descent in 7-8 minutes in its last communication to the Sulur Air Base but did not make a distress call. A total of 13 persons including the Chief of Defence Staff, his wife Madhulika Rawat, his Defence Adviser Brig Lakhbinder Singh Lidder, Staff Officer Lt Col Harjinder Singh and nine other Armed Forces personnel lost their lives in the IAF helicopter crash. The tri-services team investigating this incident is focusing on all possible reasons including the human error element.

General Bipin Rawat-Madhulika Rawat's throwback photo shows General Rawat donning a grey safari suit. He had his moustache even then, and a tilak on his forehead as he looked into the camera. His wife Madhulika Rawat is captured while she glanced at him, draped in a shimmering saree.

The nation is mourning the loss of Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and others who died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday. Reactions to the tragedy have been of shock and sadness, while leaders, celebrities, and other netizens extended their condolences and tributes to the deceased. CDS General Bipin Rawat, considered one of the most decorated Armymen of the nation, received tributes from the who's who of the Armed Forces community, politicians as well as film and sports personalities. 

While many have also gone back in time to honour him through his photos and videos that showcased different aspects of his professional and personal life. One such detail was an old picture of General Rawat with his wife. An image of their marriage invitation has also surfaced. 

EAM Jaishankar arrived at CDS Bipin Rawat's residence to offer his tribute to the top officer of the Indian Army who passed away in the IAF chopper crash in Tamil Nadu on December 8. 

Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait pays homage to CDS Rawat and his wife as their mortal remains laid in state at their residence in Delhi. 

• CDS Rawat’s mortal remains have been laid in state at 3 Kamraj Marg from 1100 hours till 1330 hours to enable people to pay the last homage.
• A total of 12 officers (from the Army, Navy & Air Force) of the rank of Brigadier and equivalent is on Vigil Duty to maintain continuous vigil over the mortal remains while it is laid in state.
• Six officers (02 each from Army, Navy & Air Force) of the rank of Lieutenant General equivalent will be the Pall (National Flag) Bearers
• Wreaths are being laid by visiting dignitaries while the mortal remains will be laid at Brar Square Cremation Ground.
• Ceremonial Battery of 2233 Field Regiment is providing gun carriage. 
• 99 all ranks from the Army, Navy and Air force and 33 members of the tri-services band will form the front escort while 99 all ranks from the three Services will act as the Rear Escort.
• A total of 800 service personnel will be in attendance for the military funeral of the CDS.
• CDS Rawat is being accorded a 17 gun salute, as per laid down protocols. Post the playing of the Last Post and Rouse by tri-services buglers, the funeral pyre will be lit by family members at 1645 hours. 

Indian Air Force constitutes tri-service of inquiry court to probe cause of chopper crash on December 8 in Upper Coonoor with 14 military personnel on board. 

"The investigation will be completed expeditiously & facts be brought out. Till then, respect the dignity of the deceased, uninformed speculation may be avoided," the IAF has stated. 

"We must give him a good farewell, a smiling send-off, I am a soldier's wife. I have nothing more to say. My child will really miss him," Brig LS Lidder's wife Geetika Lidder said.

"He (Brig LS Lidder) was scheduled to head back on December 9," she added. 

"I am going to be 17. So he was with me for 17 years, we will go ahead with happy memories. It's a national loss. My father was a hero, my best friend. Maybe it was destined and better things will come our way. He was my biggest motivator," Aashna Lidder, daughter of Brig LS Lidder told media persons.

French & Israel envoys to India, Naor Gilon and Emmanuel Lenain (respectively) paid floral tribute to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat who lost their lives in the IAF chopper crash on December 8.

As the investigation into the IAF chopper is underway, more details have emerged of the moments before the accident. According to sources, details from the first investigation at the crash site show that the weather was all clear at Coonoor. While the carcade was on standby at the Sulur Air Base, it was not used due to the normal weather report, said sources.

Besides this, the spread of the helicopter wreckage area shows a massive impact that led to the disintegration of parts.

Schedule of cremation ceremony of General Bipin Rawat scheduled on December 10 at Brar Square Cremation Ground 
11:00-1330 hrs: Homage by civil dignitaries & military personnel 
14:00 hrs: Move from residence 
15:30 hrs: Arrive at Brar Square 
16:45 hrs: Lighting of the pyre

At CDS Gen Rawat and Madhulika Rawat's residence, Uttarakhand CM Dhami, Sharad Pawar, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Supriya Sule, Harish Rawat, the ambassador of Bangladesh among those who have paid their last respects. 

Ex-Congress chief Rahul Gandhi arrived at their residence to pay final respects. 

An elderly woman breaks down as she pays her last respects to CDS Bipin Rawat in the national capital

“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it; it flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”

The officer lost his life in Tamil Nadu after an IAF helicopter crash-landed about 7 minutes before the scheduled landing. 

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami arrives at CDS Rawat's residence to pay homage to the couple that lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash in Coonoor. 

Republic TV's top sources have apprised of notable last few moments of Mi-17V5; details show communication between CDS Rawat's chopper & Air Traffic Control just minutes before the crash landing. CDS Rawat's helicopter had announced its descent in 7-8 minutes in its last communication, as per sources. 

"The tri-services team investigating the tragic chopper crash near Coonoor that killed CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and 12 others is focusing on all possible reasons including whether a human error caused the accident, people familiar with the development said on Thursday. The black box, comprising the flight data recorder (FDR) and the cockpit voice recorder (CVR), of the ill-fated Mi-17V5 helicopter of the Indian Air Force was recovered from the crash site. "All angles including possible human error will be investigated," a senior military official said.

Mortal remains of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat arrived at their Delhi residence

Mortal remains of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat & Mrs Madhulika Rawat will be taken to Brar Square in Delhi Cantt for final rites. The ceremony is scheduled at 2 PM and the same will observe the presence of numerous military dignitaries & top officials. 

Mortal remains of Gen Bipin Rawat and Madhulika Rawat have been placed at their residence in New Delhi; Home Minister Amit Shah arrives to pay his respects.

Nationwide tribute to India's Bravehearts who perished in the Coonoor chopper crash as Brigadier LS Lidder's last-rites are held at Brar Square in Delhi Cantt. 

The Nation pays its last respects to Brigadier LS Lidder, the highly-accomplished DA to the CDS who was also set to be promoted to Maj General. 

The Sri Lankan Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne, his staff and all members of the Armed Forces convey their heartfelt condolences on the tragic death of Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces General Bipin Rawat and Mrs Madhulika Rawat. They also send their deepest sympathies to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives in the incident at Coonoor, Tamil Nadu on Wednesday (December 08, 2021).

Defence Minister pays tribute at Brar Square

The Defence Minister arrived to pay tribute to Brigadier LS Lidder 

Among the armed personnel who lost their lives in the IAF helicopter crash near the Upper Coonoor region in Tamil Nadu, was Brigadier Lakhwinder Singh Lidder. He was a decorated soldier who worked extensively on tri-services reforms as the defence assistant to India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat.

Brig Lidder, a second-generation Army officer was set to be promoted as Major General soon. After serving as a key member of General Rawat's team for more over a year, he was prepared for his upcoming posting. 

Decorated with the Sena Medal and the Vishisht Seva Medal, Brigadier Lidder in December 1990 after passing out from the Indian Military Academy, was commissioned into the Second Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. Later, he commanded the same battalion. Brigadier Lidder had also served along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the North-East and in a counter-terrorist environment in Jammu and Kashmir.

Brigadier Lidder is survived by his wife Geetika, who is a school teacher, and a 16-year old daughter. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to pay tribute to Brigadier LS Lidder at Brar Square

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar arrived in the national capital to pay tribute to Bravehearts of IAF helicopter crash in Coonoor on December 8. 

Republic TV's top sources have apprised of notable last few moments of Mi-17V5; details show communication between CDS Rawat's chopper & Air Traffic Control just minutes before the crash landing. 

1. CDS chopper had announced descent to ATC...in last communication

2. No Distress call was made;

3. ATC was informed about landing within 7-8 minutes prior to descending

The last rites of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and Brigadier LS Lidder who died in IAF helicopter crash to be performed today with full military honours

Last-rites of Brig LS Lidder who was claimed by the Coonoor chopper crash to be performed at Brar Square in Delhi Cantonment; his fellow service colleague & friend Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore among those in attendance. 

The last rites of CDS General Bipin Rawat along with 11 other military personnel who passed away in an IAF chopper crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, will be performed with full military honours today.

The mortal remains of Gen Bipin Rawat is being laid in state for all to pay their last respects at his residence (No 3 Kamaraj Marg) on 10 Dec 2021. 

Broad timings 

1100 hours to 1230 hours  - Civil dignitaries and citizens
1230 hours to  1330 hours - Military Personnel

The final journey of Gen Bipin Rawat from his residence to the Brar Square Crematorium is scheduled to start from his residence at about 1400 hours.

The mortal remains of Brig LS Lidder who passed away in the military chopper crash were brought out of Base Hospital on Friday morning.

His last rites will be held at 9:30 am, at Brar Square, Delhi Cantt.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday laid a wreath and paid his tribute to India's first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madulika Rawat and 11 other people killed in a fatal IAF helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor. Thereafter, PM Modi, at the Palam Airbase, condoled the bereaved families of the bravehearts individually, including that of General Bipin Rawat who is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law. 

The government is set to begin the process soon to appoint the next Chief of Defence Staff with Army Chief Gen MM Naravane emerging as the front-runner for the top post that fell vacant following the demise of Gen Bipin Rawat in a helicopter crash.

The move by the government comes even as a number of retired military commanders said it will be prudent to appoint Gen Naravane as he is retiring as the Chief of Army Staff in five months.

The sentiments of the locals attained new heights when the mortal remains of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and other Bravehearts of the Indian Armed Forces reached the Sulur airbase in Tamil Nadu on Thursday afternoon. The locals were lined up at the entrance of the Sulur airbase since morning and were waiting to pay last respects to the departed souls. As soon as the ambulances carrying the bodies of General Rawat, his wife and 11 others reached Sulur airbase, the people of Tamil Nadu accorded a touching tribute to the martyrs.

China stooped to an all-time low on Thursday as it attempted to play filthy politics on the unfortunate and tragic demise of India's first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat. Hiding behind its stooge Global Times' story, China made a very shameful and propagandist comment claiming that the death of General Bipin Rawat in the Indian Air Force chopper crash 'exposed the lack of discipline and combat preparedness' of India. 

"It also dealt a heavy blow to the country's military modernization that could linger for a long time," a Global Times story read .

In a tragic event, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 other security officials passed away as a Mi5-V17 chopper flying in from the Sulur Air Force Base to Wellington crashed on Wednesday. The mortal remains of the deceased were moved from Wellington to Sulur by road as the weather is not fit for air operations. From Sulur, the mortal remains are being brought in an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft to Palam. 

As per the schedule, common citizens will be able to pay their respects to the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) who perished along with his wife and 11 other personnel of the armed forces in the military helicopter crash on Wednesday near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, in Delhi. 

According to PTI, the bodies of General Rawat and his wife Madhulika will be kept at their Kamaraj Marg residence from 11am to 12:30pm for the general public to pay their final respects.

The slot between 12:30pm and 1:30pm will be kept for military personnel to pay their respects to the braveheart general and his wife. The final journey of General Rawat from his residence to the Brar Square crematorium is scheduled to begin around 2pm.