India loses its brave-heart: Group captain Varun Singh of Coonoor Chopper Crash no more

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• Dec 15, 2021 | moderator

Coonoor: India has lost its braveheart. Group Captain Varun Singh fought till the end fighting the serious burn injuries inflicted after surviving the horrific chopper crash in Conoor in Karnataka.

The Indian Air Force in its latest tweet posted the sad news of Varun Singh's demise. "IAF is deeply saddened to inform the passing away of brave-heart Group Captain Varun Singh, who succumbed this morning o the injuries sustained in the helicopter accident on 08 December 21. IAF offers sincere condolences and stands firmly with the bereaved family."

As soon as the news of his demise broke out, leaders and dignitaries from all spheres poured in their condolences.

"Sad to learn that Group Captain Varun Singh breathed his last after putting up a valiant fight for life. Though badly injured in the chopper crash, he displayed the soldierly spirit of valour and indomitable courage. The nation is grateful to him. My condolences to his family," tweeted President Ram Nath Kovind.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too expressed grief on Varun Singh's passing away. "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," tweeted Modi.

Varun Singh was awarded Shaurya Chakra on this year’s Independence Day for saving his LCA Tejas fighter aircraft during an aerial emergency in 2020.

Known for his friendly demeanor among his colleagues, Varun Singh showed exemplary courage even in the face of death.

Yesterday an Air Force official told news agency ANI that the Group Captain's condition was stable, but added that he continued to be in critical condition. The official said he was on life support.

With this, the total number of casualties of the chopper crash has risen to 14. Chief of the Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others had died on 8 December. Varun Singh was the lone survivor who was extracted by the rescue team from the crash site.