Capt Varun Singh’s death a huge loss for India: CM Bommai

Speaking to media here, Bommai said Singh had suffered 80 percent burn injuries and was provided best medical treatment, but it is sad he breathed his last today.

“Mother India has lost a brave soldier in his death. It is not just the Indian armed forces, people of the country are in grief. His entire family is associated with the military. I pray to the Almighty to bless his soul and give strength to his family members to bear this loss,” he said.

Meanwhile, the mortal remains of Singh will be airlifted from Yelahanka Airforce Station to Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh tomorrow.

“The mortal remains of Group Captain Varun Singh will be moved from Command Hospital tomorrow at 10.00 10 am to Yelahanka Airforce Station. From there his mortal remains will be airlifted to Bhopal in an IAF aircraft. Wreaths will be laid,” IAF HQ Training Command said here.

Singh’s remains are expected to reach Bhopal by tomorrow 3 pm. The funeral is planned for December 17 in Bhopal, the IAF training command added.

Singh was the lone survivor in the IAF helicopter crash that claimed the life of CDS General Bipin Rawat and others. He was shifted to Command Hospital on December 9 from Military Hospital at Tamil Nadu’s Wellington.

General Bipin Rawat’s wife Madhulika Rawat, his Defense Adviser Brig Lakhbinder Singh Lidder, Staff Officer Lt Col Harjinder Singh and nine other armed officials also lost their lives in the Coonoor helicopter crash.