Karnataka assembly demands probe into Coonoor helicopter crash that killed Gen Rawat

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the crash shook the people of the country because it happened despite boasting of safe and secured equipment and machines, fitted into the helicopter.

Another reason for the people to be shocked was that General Rawat was an extremely able army officer, who had led the Indian forces from the front and had great love for the country, he added.

General Rawat will be remembered for tackling the issues of Kashmir, North-East and China, and his role in the Myanmar operation and the 2016 surgical strike, Bommai said.

He also will be remembered for deploying military and building infrastructure along the border villages to counter the Chinese mobilizing its forces along the LAC, the chief minister said.

He also recalled General Rawat’s bond with Coorg and Karnataka. General Rawat, Bommai said, admired General KS Thimayya and Field Marshal KM Cariappa, for their men-to-men combat strategies from whom he learnt much.

The best way to pay tribute to general Rawat is to continue his project of modernisation and Indianisation (Atmanirbhar Bharat) of armed factories, he said.

RDPR Minister KS Eshwarappa demanded a sitting judge to investigate the case.
“Respected Opposition Leader (Siddaramaiah) has said very clearly that there should be a probe into this case. Who was behind it? If this probe does not take place, people will be upset. A tri-service probe has been ordered into the crash, but I think a probe by a sitting judge will be appropriate. This should be initiated immediately,” he said.

“If evil people are behind this, they should be severely punished. If this is not done, they can do this to any world leader,” Eshwarappa added.

He said General Rawat was a patriot and enemies used to shiver hearing his names and such people bring pride to the nation. “General Rawat is not only a name, but a symbol of strength,” he said.

Siddaramaiah also demanded a probe into the mishap because it is surprising how a very sophisticated and advanced Russian-made helicopter could crash. “I am not saying that there is a hand of somebody, but the reasons behind the crash should be known to the people,” he said.

The central government should make public the Black Box contents to throw light on the accident, Siddaramaiah said. “People should know what was the reason for the mishap,” he said.