India in shock as chief of defence staff dies in helicopter crash

  • People light candles to pay their respect to defence chief Gen Bipin Rawat in Siliguri on December 8, 2021 after reports of a helicopter crash in which he and his wife were among 13 casualties. AFP
    People light candles to pay their respect to defence chief Gen Bipin Rawat in Siliguri on December 8, 2021 after reports of a helicopter crash in which he and his wife were among 13 casualties. AFP
  • Security outside the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat's residence in New Delhi, India. The Indian Air Force said Gen Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others on board died in the accident. EPA
    Security outside the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat's residence in New Delhi, India. The Indian Air Force said Gen Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others on board died in the accident. EPA
  • Indian soldiers arrive at the site after an army helicopter carrying Gen Bipin Rawat crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu state. AP
    Indian soldiers arrive at the site after an army helicopter carrying Gen Bipin Rawat crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu state. AP
  • Army personnel and members of the media outside the residence of Gen Bipin Rawat in New Delhi after news of the helicopter accident broke. AP Photo
    Army personnel and members of the media outside the residence of Gen Bipin Rawat in New Delhi after news of the helicopter accident broke. AP Photo
  • Security and media personnel outside the entrance to Gen Bipin Rawat's house in New Delhi on December 8, 2021. AFP
    Security and media personnel outside the entrance to Gen Bipin Rawat's house in New Delhi on December 8, 2021. AFP
  • Gen Bipin Rawat inspects a Guard of Honour at a function celebrating Indian Army Day in New Delhi, India in January 2018. EPA
    Gen Bipin Rawat inspects a Guard of Honour at a function celebrating Indian Army Day in New Delhi, India in January 2018. EPA