Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Virendra Sehwag pays tribute to CDS Bipin Rawat?s untimely demise

In a terrible incident in Tamil Nadu?s Connor, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat succumbed to his injuries along with his wife Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other personnel. The Indian Air Force chopper (Mi-17V5) carrying 14 people crashed near Coonoor city.

As per the reports, 13 personnel died on the spot while one survivor is being treated in Military Hospital, Wellington.

"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," the Indian Air Force (IAF) said in a tweet

CDS Bipin Rawat is India?s first Chief of Defence Staff who worked to bind the Indian armed forced together. He served the Indian army for over 40 years.

Indian cricketers and sports fraternity have expressed their condolences to the untimely demise of Shri Bipin Rawat and 12 others in a helicopter crash.

"Extremely pained to hear about the passing away of Shri #BipinRawat , his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 army personnel in the tragic helicopter crash. Gratitude for his wonderful service to the nation. Om Shanti," tweeted Virender Sehwag.

"Deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat, his wife Mrs. Madhulika Rawat and 11 other personnel of our armed forces. My deepest condolences to their families and well-wishers," tweeted Yuvraj Singh.

"Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Sh. #BipinRawat and his wife in a tragic helicopter crash. The nation will always be grateful to Gen. Rawat for his service to the nation. Om Shanti? Jai Hind," tweeted VVS Laxman.

"Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of CDS Bipin Rawat ji and other officials in a tragic helicopter crash. My deepest condolences to the friends & family members," wrote Virat Kohli.

"This is so tragic. Heart goes out to the family of Gen Bipin Rawat and Mrs. Madhulika Rawat. My deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident. May God give them strength to cope with this loss," wrote former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer.