In a sad state of affairs, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday (December 8). Several Bollywood celebrities took to social media and condemned his demise. Actress Kangana Ranaut shared, "Most horrible news of the year the demise of Sh. #BipinRawat and his wife in a tragic helicopter crash. The nation will always be grateful to Gen Rawat for his service to the nation. Om Shanti. Jai Hind."
CDS Gen Bipin Rawat dies: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher & other Bollywood celebs mourn the demise
Amitabh Bachchan tweeted, "T 4121 - .. in grief, in sadness."
Superstar Salaman Khan took to Twitter and said, "Very sad to hear of the tragic crash in which we have lost Gen Bipin Rawat his wife and other personnel from the Armed forces. My thoughts my prayers and condolences are with the bereaved families …"
Actor Siddharth Malhotra also expressed grief over the sad news and shared his recent picture with the late dignitary, on his social media handle.
CDS Gen Bipin Rawat dies: Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Kangana Ranaut & others mourn the demise
Filmmaker Karan Johar also tweeted, "Extremely shocked and saddened by the demise of General Bipin Rawat, his wife and the troops of the Indian Armed Forces. Saluting the brave & selfless service he has given to the nation while we mourn this untimely loss. Rest in power."
Devastated by the news, Sanjay Dutt tweeted, "My thoughts and prayers to the families of General Rawat, his wife, and the 11 army personnel in the tragic crash. Om Shanti."
Veteran actor Anupam Kher also shared a picture with Rawat and wrote, "CDS #GenBipinRawat, उनकी धर्मपत्नी एवं 11 और फ़ौजी ऑफ़िसर्स के निधन का सुनकर अत्यंत दुख हुआ।#जनरलरावत से मिलने का सौभाग्य कई बार मिला।उनके व्यक्तित्व में ग़ज़ब का दुस्साहस और देश के प्रति अथाह प्रेम था।उनसे हाथ मिलाकर दिल और ज़ुबान से ख़ुदबख़ुद “जय हिन्द” निकलता था! #जयहिन्द सर!! आप अमर रहेंगे! @indianarmy.adgpi @indiannavy #IndianAirForce."
Actress Tamannaah Bhatia too penned a heartfelt note paying her tribute. "Extremely saddened on hearing about the tragic death of CDS General #BipinRawat, Mrs. Madhulika Rawat and 11 army personnel."
Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar also mourned the demise of General Bipin Rawat. Taking to her Twitter handle, Mangeshkar wrote, "CDS General Bipin Rawat ji, unki Dharmpatni evam sena ke 11 anye afsaro ke helicopter durghatna me nidhan ki khabar atyant vednadayi hai. Isse hmare desh ki bohot badi haani hui hai. Mai Bharat mata ke in veer Sapooto ko ashrupuran shradhanjali arpan karti hu. Mai inke parivar ke dukh me shaamil hu."
Also read: Who was Madhulika Rawat, wife of CDS General Bipin Rawat - Know all about her
The Indian Air Force confirmed the tragic death of Rawat, his wife, and 11 other occupants of the force. A total of 13 of the 14 occupants of an IAF military helicopter (Mi-17V5) passed away after it crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiri district.
