Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his “extreme anguish” at the death of Air Force Group Captain Varun Singh, who had been pulled alive from a helicopter crash that instantly killed 13 people, including Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife.

“Group Captain Varun Singh served the nation with pride, valour and utmost professionalism. I am extremely anguished by his passing away. His rich service to the nation will never be forgotten. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti,” PM Modi said in a tweet.

“IAF is deeply saddened to inform the passing away of braveheart Group Captain Varun Singh, who succumbed this morning to the injuries sustained in the helicopter accident on 08 Dec 21. IAF offers sincere condolences and stands firmly with the bereaved family,” tweeted the Indian Air Force from its official handle on the microblogging website.

Also read: Varun Singh, the sole survivor of Indian Air Force chopper crash, succumbs to injuries

On December 8, the IAF had confirmed about the crash around 2 pm, saying the Mi-17V5 helicopter with Gen Rawat on board met with an accident near Coonoor.