Rajasthan CM Mourns Jaipur Pilot, Devotees Killed in Kedarnath Chopper Crash
Rajasthan CM Mourns Jaipur Pilot, Devotees Killed in Kedarnath Chopper Crash
A tragic helicopter crash in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district has claimed seven lives, including a pilot from Jaipur and six pilgrims. The Aryan Aviation chopper was en route from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi when it went down in a forested area near Gaurikund at 5:30 am on Sunday.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Taking to social media, he wrote,
“The news of the loss of life of the pilot from Rajasthan and other devotees due to the helicopter crash in Kedarnath is extremely sad. May Baba Kedar give place to the departed souls in his feet and provide strength to the bereaved families to bear this lightning strike.”
केदारनाथ में हेलीकॉप्टर के दुर्घटनाग्रस्त होने से हुई राजस्थान के पायलट तथा अन्य श्रद्धालुओं की जनहानि का समाचार अत्यंत दुःखद है।
बाबा केदार दिवंगत आत्माओं को अपने श्री चरणों में स्थान व शोकाकुल परिवार को यह वज्रपात सहन करने की शक्ति प्रदान करें।
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— Bhajanlal Sharma (@BhajanlalBjp) June 15, 2025
The victims have been identified as:
- Captain Rajbir Singh Chauhan (39) – Pilot from Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Vikram Rawat (47) – Temple Committee representative, Rasi
- Vinod Devi (66) – Uttar Pradesh
- Trishti Singh (19) – Uttar Pradesh
- Rajkumar Suresh Jaiswal (41) – Gujarat
- Shraddha Rajkumar Jaiswal and Kashi (2) – Maharashtra
Rescue teams from SDRF, NDRF, and local police launched a swift and challenging operation in the dense forest area under difficult weather conditions. SDRF Commander Arpan Yadav led the response, and all seven bodies were recovered.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a high-level emergency meeting with senior officials including the State Chief Secretary, Disaster Management Secretary, UCADA CEO, and Garhwal Commissioner.
District Magistrate Sonika confirmed that shuttle services had been suspended due to poor weather and the ongoing rescue operation. She added,
“At around 5:30 AM, we got information that a helicopter from Shri Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi could not be located. Later, we learnt it had crashed near Gaurikund. SDRF teams have reached the spot.”
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced that helicopter operations to Char Dham will now be reduced as a precaution. Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will conduct a thorough probe into the crash.
This tragic incident has once again raised concerns over air safety during pilgrimage operations in the tough Himalayan terrain.
