Amid financial crisis, Kerala government hires helicopter
The government's decision to hire the helicopter at a time when the state is facing acute economic difficulties has drawn harsh criticism from the Opposition.
Group Captain Varun Singh, the sole survivor in the 8 December IAF helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu that killed Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat and 12 others, succumbed to injuries this 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,” IAF tweeted.
Group Captain Singh was being treated for the serious injuries suffered by him in the crash at a Bengaluru military hospital after he was moved there from Wellington in Tamil Nadu’s Coonoor.
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Ever since the chopper crash in which he had sustained 80 per cent burn injuries, Group Captain Singh had been “critical but stable”.
With his demise, all 14 people on board the ill-fated helicopter have died. They include: CDS Gen Rawat, his wife Madhulika and 11 other armed forces personnel.
Group Captain Singh was a decorated officer who had boarded the Russian-made chopper as the liaison officer for the visit of the CDS. Only in August this year, he was conferred the Shaurya Chakra for preventing a possible mid-air accident after his LCA Tejas jet developed a major technical snag last year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death. “Group Captain Varun Singh served the nation with pride, valour and utmost professionalism. I am extremely anguished by his passing away. His rich service to the nation will never be forgotten. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti,” the PM said.
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