CDS Chopper crash: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits CDS Bipin Rawat’s residence

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the residence of Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat in New Delhi, after a military chopper carrying him along with senior defence officers crashed near Coonor in Tamil Nadu.

The Indian Air Force confirmed that CDS Rawat was on- board an IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter that met with an accident earlier today between Coimbatore and Sulur. There was no immediate word on the condition of Rawat.

Following army protocol, Rajnath Singh has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the crash and the Government is likely to make a statement on the incident in Parliament.

Official sources said the Mi-17V5 helicopter got airborne from Sulur for Wellington and there were 14 persons on board the chopper including the crew.

Four bodies have been recovered from the site of the crash, they said.

The IAF said a Court of Inquiry has been ordered into the accident.