New Delhi, Dec 8: Eminent Personalities from all corners of India have offered their condolences for Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat after his demise in a military chopper crash on Wednesday which also killed 12 others including Rawat’s wife Madhulika Rawat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to twitter to offer his condolences and prayers for the 13 persons who died in the crash.

The Prime Minister Tweeted. “Gen Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier. A true patriot, he greatly contributed to modernising our armed forces and security apparatus. His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply. Om Shanti.”

“As India’s first CDS, Gen Rawat worked on diverse aspects relating to our armed forces including defence reforms. He brought with him a rich experience of serving in the Army. India will never forget his exceptional service,” he added.

President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted, “I am shocked and anguished over the untimely demise of Gen. Bipin Rawat and his wife, Madhulika ji. The nation has lost one of its bravest sons. His four decades of selfless service to the motherland was marked by exceptional gallantry and heroism. My condolences to his family.”

Taking to Twitter, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “Deeply anguished by the sudden demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other Armed Forces personnel in an extremely unfortunate helicopter accident today in Tamil Nadu. His untimely death is an irreparable loss to our Armed Forces and the country. General Rawat had served the country with exceptional courage and diligence. As the first Chief of Defence Staff he had prepared plans for jointness of our Armed Forces. My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this accident. Praying for the speedy recovery of Gp Capt Varun Singh, who  is currently under treatment at the Military Hospital, Wellington.”

Home Minister Amit Shah also penned down his condolences in a Twitter post.

 “A very sad day for the nation as we have lost our CDS, General Bipin Rawat Ji in a very tragic accident. He was one of the bravest soldiers, who has served the motherland with utmost devotion. His exemplary contributions & commitment cannot be put into words. I am deeply pained. I also express my deepest condolences on the sad demise of Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other Armed Forces personnel. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May God give them the strength to bear this tragic loss. Praying for the speedy recovery of Gp Capt Varun Singh.” Wrote Minister Amit Shah.

Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Pattnaik has also shared his prayers for the demise by writing “Deeply saddened by the demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen #BipinRawat, his wife & 11 other Defence personnel in a very tragic accident in #TamilNadu. It is an irreparable loss to the nation. Deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish speedy recovery of the injured.”

The IAF Mi 17 V5 helicopter that was on its way to Wellington in Tamil Nadu, crashed in Coonoor, shortly after it took off from the Air Force base in Sulur, Coimbatore.

The Indian Air Force has issued a list of names of General Rawat’s staff who died in the crash. These include Brigadier LS Lidder, Lieutenant Colonel Harjinder Singh, NK Gursewak Singh, NK Jitendra Kumar, L/NK Vivek Kumar, L/NK B Sai Teja and Hav Satpal are among those on board the aircraft.

The lone survivor, Gp Capt Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC, sustained injuries and is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington.

The IAF has ordered an inquiry into the incident.