There are several tragic helicopter crashes in Indian history; on 8 December 2021, India witnessed one more helicopter crash.
General Bipin Laxman Singh Rawat, who is serving as a Chief of Defence Staff in the Indian armed forces, headed to wellington, Tamilnadu, in the IAF Mi17V5 along with his wife and other 12 crew members to deliver a lecture.
He boarded the helicopter at 11.47 am at Sulur Air force Station and was scheduled to reach wellington. Defense Services Staff College by 12.20 pm, 10 minutes before the destination, the plane crashed near a tea estate in Coonoor, in Nilgiris district, Tamilnadu.
Among all the crew members, only one officer survived, and the rest of the team passed away. India lost its brave and honest officer, who served the country till the last breath. This disastrous and fatal air crash reminds us of several planes crashes in the past, where India lost several well-known personalities.
Dorjee Khandu:
Dorjee Khandu, the 6th chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh passed away in a helicopter crash. The helicopter carrying the chief minister and the other four people lost its contact on 30 April 2011. On 4th may 2021, the remnants of the plane were founded by local people.
Dr. YS Rajasekhar Reddy:
Dr. YS Rajasekhar Reddy, the 14th chief minister of Andhrapradesh passed away in a helicopter crash. The helicopter in which he is boarded got disappeared in the Nallamala forest and on 3 September 2011 the wreckage of the helicopter was found on the Rudrakonda hills.
The four people along with him on the board were declared dead. Many people commit suicide on hearing the news of their beloved leader, and this reminds us that he is the people’s leader.
Haryana minister Om Prakash Jindal:
The renowned industrialist and minister of power, Mr. O P Jindal was killed in a plane accident on 31 March 2005. He succeeded in establishing the business enterprise Jindal steel and power. He was awarded the “lifetime achievement award” for his contribution to the Indian steel industry.
Loksabha Speaker GMC Balayogi:
On 3 March 2002, the Lok Sabha speaker and Telugu Desam party leader Shri.GMC Balayogi lost his life in a helicopter crash in Kaikalur, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh. GMC Balayogi Athletic stadium was named after him in his memory.
Madhava Rao Scindia:
Former railway minister Madhava Rao Scindia died at the age of 56 in a plane crash near Motta village. He was on his way to address a public gathering in Kanpur. All eight members who were on the board in a private plane named beech craft king Air c90 died in the crash. The remains of the minister were identified by the goddess Durga ma locket, which he used to wear always.
Dera Natung:
On 8th May 2001 Dera Natung, the educational minister of Arunachal Pradesh, was found dead in an unfortunate air crash on his way to survey sites for educational institutions. He is still remembered by people for his good work.
Surendhranath :
The former Punjab governor Surendra Nath has taken the additional responsibilities of Himachal Pradesh. While traveling to Kulu on 9 July, the plane crashed into a hill as the pilot couldn’t find the way. In this crash,, nine of his family members also passed away.
Sanjay Gandhi:
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi”s younger son and also the former mp Sanjay Gandhi died on 23 June 1980 while performing an aerobatic maneuver over his office. He died instantly due to fatal head injuries.
