Credited for bringing defence reforms, First CDS Gen Rawat, killed in chopper crash : "India will never forget his service," says PM

Superseding in army promotions had happened under Congress regime too.

Lt Gen S K Sinha, who later became Governor of Assam and J&K, was superseded by Gen. A K Vaidya.

Two senior officers Bakshi and P M Hariz were commissioned in December 1977 and June 1978. Rawat had joined the forces only in December 1978. 

Sources later said Rawat’s experience in Kashmir and the North East perhaps 'overshadowed' the claims of the two senior officers. 

"General Rawat had served the country with exceptional courage and diligence. As the first Chief of Defence Staff he had prepared plans for jointness of our Armed Forces" - says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. 

"My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this accident. Praying for the speedy recovery of Gp Capt Varun Singh, who is currently under treatment at the Military Hospital, Wellington," says Defence Minister.

(Credited for bringing defence reforms, Gen Rawat leaves  a rich legacy. "India will never forget his exceptional service", says PM Modi) 

India lost its first Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, in a ghastly chopper crash in Tami Nadu.

"I am deeply anguished by the helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu in which we have lost Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and other personnel of the Armed Forces," tweeted a pensive Prime Minister who had actually virtually handpicked the brilliant military officer to make him first the army chief and then the CDS from January 2020.

"They (deceased men) served India with utmost diligence. My thoughts are with the bereaved families," the Prime Minister wrote.

"Gen Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier. A true patriot, he greatly contributed to modernising our armed forces and security apparatus. His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional.," he said.

The Prime Minister also said - "His passing away has saddened me deeply. Om Shanti".

In another missive, Mr Modi said, "India will never forget his exceptional service".

"As India’s first CDS, Gen Rawat worked on diverse aspects relating to our armed forces including defence reforms. He brought with him a rich experience of serving in the Army". 

Altogether there were 14 personnel in the ill-fated military chopper IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter.

Earlier in the day as the news of the crash went viral on social media and television channels, the Indian Air Force said in a tweet - "An Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident".

President Ram Nath Kovind in his missive wrote: "I am shocked and anguished over the untimely demise of Gen. Bipin Rawat and his wife, Madhulika ji." 

"The nation has lost one of its bravest sons. His four decades of selfless service to the motherland was marked by exceptional gallantry and heroism. My condolences to his family," he wrote.

Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh personally monitored the situation following crash of the IAF chopper.

He also briefed PM Modi about the crash. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the residence of CDS Bipin Rawat

in Delhi.

A brilliant military officer, India's first Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat  also had the distinction of commanding a multinational Brigade in a Chapter VII mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

During the tough mission he was twice awarded the Force Commander’s Commendation.

He was the third officer from the Gorkha Brigade to become the Chief of the Army Staff, after Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and General Dalbir Singh Suhag.

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"With deep regret, it has now been ascertained that Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other persons on board have died in the unfortunate accident." - Indian Air Force.

Gp Capt Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC with injuries is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington. - Air Force

"A very sad day for the nation as we have lost our CDS, General Bipin Rawat Ji in a very tragic accident. He was one of the bravest soldiers, who has served the motherland with utmost devotion." - Amit Shah

Some quotes from Gen Bipin Rawat: 

"It (human shield) is not a general norm. As a practice it is not supported. But situations would dictate. Under the circumstances he (Major Leetul Gogoi) took a decision independently. He can't look back at that stage and wait for orders," General Rawat said.

"If they (stonepelters) can kill people with such acts, are they not becoming like terrorists?”" - he had asked in a media interaction.

# “I want to tell them (stonepelters) that no one will benefit from stone-pelting,” 

"If somebody has any other ideas as to how to tackle such a situation, then he can pass it on to us. We will take a look at it," he said.

General Rawat was asked to comment on a string of criticisms about his earlier remarks defending Major Gogoi's action of tying a civilian to the bonnet of an Army jeep when facing a crowd of stone pelters in the valley.

He was then criticised for justifying the Major's action that was described as unprofessional and damaging to the reputation of the Indian Army and being violative of the Geneva Convention that lays down rules of warfare.

"In a proxy war situation like this the enemy cannot be identified. He is not wearing a band or a uniform that can identify him as a terrorist. Only when he fires then you know what to do in such a situation. The Army cannot throw stones, that is not my pattern. I can't throw stones."

Of course, Bipin Rawat became army chief after Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi, senior most general was superseded. 

Soft spoken but very assertive, the then Defence minister Manohar Parrikar had - said if seniority was the only criterion then a computer could have selected a service chief.

“There would be no requirement of any Raksha Mantri, there would be no requirement of Cabinet Committee on Appointment because then it is a computer job. Date of birth decides who becomes General,” Parrikar, now deceased, had said.

Notably, Bakshi had later gone on leave !  

Two senior officers Bakshi and P M Hariz were commissioned in December 1977 and June 1978.

But Rawat had joined the forces only in December 1978. 

Sources later said Rawat’s experience in Kashmir and the North East perhaps 'overshadowed' the claims of the two senior officers. 

After taking over as army chief, Rawat said he had worked with both officers. 

The Modi government on December 17, 2016 superseded Lt General Bakshi and appointed Lt Gen. Bipin Rawat as new army chief. 

Lt General SK Sinha's had resigned in 1983 during the Indira Gandhi era. 

Lt Gen Bakshi