IAF chopper crash: Lone survivor Group Captain Varun Singh succumbs to injuries, PM Modi condoles his demise

In a shocking piece of news, Group Captain Varun Singh who bravely fought for his life for the past one week at Air Force Command hospital in Bengaluru has succumbed to his injuries. He was the lone survivor of the Tamil Nadu military chopper crash which resulted in the unfortunate death of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat.

The chopper crash that happened on the fateful day of December 8 also saw the death of General Bipin Rawat's Defence Adviser Brigadier Lakhbinder Singh Lidder, Staff Officer Lieutenant Colonel Harjinder Singh and nine other Armed Forces personnel including the Air Force helicopter crew.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent condolences on the demise of Group Captain Varun Singh. In his tweet he wrote, "...I am extremely anguished by his passing away. His rich service to the nation will never be forgotten. Condolences to his family and friends."

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 15, 2021

Earlier in the day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wished Group Captain Varun Singh a 'quick and complete' recovery and said that the nation stands with him on his road to recovery. Taking to Twitter, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "Wishing quick and complete recovery to Group Captain Varun Singh. India stands with you on this road to recovery."

Group Captain Varun Singh, the lone survivor of #TamilNaduChopperCrash - who was under treatment at Command Hospital in Bengaluru - passes away at the hospital. pic.twitter.com/l8XsiihL5k

— ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2021

Group Captain Varun Singh, a decorated officer was related to Congress leader Akhilesh Pratap Singh. He is survived by his wife, two children and parents. Varun Singh's father Krishna Pratap Singh is also a retired senior officer in the Indian Army. Captain Singh hailed from Uttar Pradesh's Deoria.

Group Captain Singh won the Shaurya Chakra on August 15 this year for showing immense courage in handling his Tejas fighter aircraft after it was hit by major technical issues during a sortie. An alumnus of the Army Public School in Haryana's Chandimandir Cantonment, he had written an inspiring letter in September to the Principal of his alma mater.