Lt Col Deepika Chauhan bid a tearful farewell to her husband, Lt Col Rajveer Singh Chauhan, who tragically lost his life in the Kedarnath helicopter crash
A Tragic Loss in the Kedarnath Helicopter Crash
The serene pilgrimage route to Kedarnath turned into a scene of devastation on June 15, 2025, when a helicopter belonging to Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd crashed near Gaurikund, Uttarakhand. The ill-fated chopper, carrying seven passengers, including five pilgrims, a temple committee employee, and the pilot, Lt Col Rajveer Singh Chauhan, met with disaster amid dense fog and near-zero visibility.
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The crash, believed to have been caused by poor weather conditions, resulted in a fiery impact, leaving no survivors. The tragedy has raised concerns over aviation safety in the Char Dham pilgrimage route, as this marks the fifth helicopter accident in the region within six weeks.
Lt Col Rajveer Singh Chauhan, a former Indian Army officer, had retired from service and joined a private aviation firm. He had over 2,000 hours of flying experience and was known for his dedication and skill. His sudden demise has left his family, colleagues, and the nation in mourning.
Lt Col Deepika Chauhan- Emotional Farewell
The funeral of Lt Col Rajveer Singh Chauhan was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, where his wife, Lt Col Deepika Chauhan, stood in uniform, bidding a tearful goodbye to her beloved husband. The heart-wrenching visuals from Shastri Nagar captured the profound grief as she held his coffin, draped in the national flag, surrounded by fellow officers and mourners.
Lt Col Deepika Chauhan, herself a serving Army officer, displayed immense strength and dignity as she led the funeral procession, carrying her husband’s photograph. The military honors, the salutes, and the presence of senior officials underscored the nation’s respect for the fallen hero.
The couple had recently welcomed twin children, born just four months ago, making the loss even more devastating. Lt Col Rajveer Singh Chauhan had planned a traditional Rajasthani ceremony for his newborns on June 30, but fate had other plans.
His father, Govind Chauhan, expressed deep sorrow, stating:
“He had become a father after 14 years of marriage. We were planning a celebration for his newborns, but everything is over now.”
The entire community, including neighbors, friends, and relatives, gathered at their residence in Jaipur, offering condolences and sharing in the family’s grief.
Aviation Safety Concerns and Investigation
The Kedarnath helicopter crash has once again highlighted the risks associated with pilgrimage aviation services. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has already reduced the frequency of helicopter operations in the region and is conducting enhanced surveillance to ensure better safety measures.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with two officials from Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd arrested for possible negligence. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local administration were deployed for relief and recovery efforts, but the tragedy has left unanswered questions about aviation oversight.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to prepare a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for helicopter operations, ensuring technical checks and weather assessments before flights.
The nation mourns the loss of Lt Col Rajveer Singh Chauhan and the six other victims, including:
- Shraddha Rajkumar Jaiswal (35) and her two-year-old child, Kashi (Maharashtra)
- Rajkumar Suresh Jaiswal (41) (Gujarat)
- Vikram Singh Rawat (Uttarakhand)
- Vinood Devi (66) and Tushti Singh (19) (Uttar Pradesh)
The tragedy has cast a shadow over India’s aviation safety, prompting renewed calls for stricter oversight of private and commercial aviation operations.
A Nation’s Tribute to a Fallen Hero
Lt Col Rajveer Singh Chauhan’s untimely demise has left a void in the hearts of his family, colleagues, and the nation. His dedication to service, his love for flying, and his commitment to his family will forever be remembered.
Lt Col Deepika Chauhan’s tearful farewell stands as a testament to love, sacrifice, and resilience. As she saluted her husband, the nation joined her in honoring his legacy.
The tragedy serves as a wake-up call for aviation safety reforms, ensuring that pilgrimage flights are conducted with utmost caution.
As India mourns, we salute the bravery of Lt Col Rajveer Singh Chauhan and extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Honoring the Legacy of a True Patriot
Lt Col Rajveer Singh Chauhan lived a life of service and sacrifice. His tragic passing reminds us of the risks faced by pilots and the need for stringent aviation safety measures.
As his wife, Lt Col Deepika Chauhan, bids him a final farewell, the nation stands in solidarity, remembering a hero who gave his all.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy inspire generations to come.
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