Group Captain Varun Singh, lone survivor of IAF chopper crash, passes away
Wednesday, 15 December 2021 (14:34 IST)
Bengaluru: Group Captain Varun Singh, lone survivor of the IAF chopper crash, which led to death of 13 people on December 8 in Coonoor of Tamil Nadu, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday morning.
"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 08 Dec 21. IAF offers sincere condolences and stands firmly with the bereaved family, " the Indian Air Force tweeted.
Group Captain Singh, a Shaurya Chakra awardee, had sustained severe injuries and was on life support. He was undergoing treatment at Air Force Command Hospital on Old Airport Road.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Home Minister Araga Janendra had visited the hospital to enquire about Singh's health. Singh was the lone survivor in IAF helicopter crash that killed CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others.
A tri-services inquiry team, led by Air Marshal Manavendra Singh, has started probe into the mishap.
Karnataka Assembly on Monday demanded a thorough probe into the death of General Rawat, along with his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others in chopper crash.
Bommai had said the crash shook the people of the country because it happened, despite boasting of safe and secured equipment and machines, fitted into the helicopter. RDPR Minister KS Eshwarappa demanded a sitting judge to investigate the case.
"Respected Opposition Leader (Siddaramaiah) has said very clearly that there should be a probe into this case. Who was behind it? If this probe does not take place, people will be upset. A tri-service probe has been ordered into the crash, but I think a probe by a sitting judge will be appropriate. This should be initiated immediately," he said.
"If evil people are behind this, they should be severely punished. If this is not done, they can do this to any world leader," Eshwarappa added.
He said General Rawat was a patriot and enemies used to shiver hearing his names and such people bring pride to the nation. "General Rawat is not only a name, but a symbol of strength," he said.
Siddaramaiah also demanded a probe into the mishap because it is surprising how a very sophisticated and advanced Russian-made helicopter could crash. "I am not saying that there is a hand of somebody, but the reasons behind the crash should be known to the people," he said.
The Central government should make public the Black Box contents to throw light on the accident, Siddaramaiah said. "People should know what was the reason for the mishap," he added. (UNI)
