Catholic Church in India Mourns Death of CDS Rawat and Others

New Delhi: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) is deeply saddened at the chopper crash which happened yesterday in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. The tragic crash killed 13 of the 14 people onboard including Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat.

Group Captain Varun Singh is the lone survivor currently undergoing treatment for injuries at the Military Hospital in Wellington. General Rawat, 63, was on his way to the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington where he was to deliver a lecture.

The defence of the nation is of utmost importance and loss of the Chief of Defence Staff has certainly shocked and sadden the nation. The country will remember the courage, dedication and commitment our Armed Forces exhibit when on duty; guarding the safety of the country and working in challenging situations.

In a Press note, Archbishop Felix Machado, Secretary General, Catholic Bishop’s Conference of India (CBCI) said, “The CBCI offers condolences and prayers to the families of all the bereaved and prays that God grant eternal rest to the departed.”