A poignant farewell unfolded in Jaipur, Rajasthan, as Lieutenant Colonel Deepika Chauhan mourned the untimely passing of her husband, Lt Col (Retd) Rajveer Singh Chauhan. He tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash near Kedarnath on June 15. The funeral was held with full military honors, attended by friends, family, and dignitaries who gathered to pay their respects.
Dressed in her Army uniform, Lt Col Deepika Chauhan was seen tearfully standing by her husband’s coffin, embodying the deep sorrow felt by all in attendance. She later led the funeral procession, carrying his photograph with a heavy heart. The helicopter, a Bell 407 operated by Aryan Aviation, crashed near Gaurikund in the Rudraprayag district during a routine flight from Kedarnath to Guptkashi. The devastating incident not only claimed the life of Lt Col Chauhan but also resulted in the deaths of six others, including a two-year-old child.
Prominent figures, including Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and several military veterans, were present at the solemn event, emphasizing the profound loss felt across the community and the nation.
Lt Col (Retd) Rajveer Chauhan had a distinguished 15-year career in the Indian Army before moving to civil aviation, joining Aryan Aviation Pvt. Ltd. in October 2024. He had amassed over 2,000 hours of flying experience and played a pivotal role in executing flight missions across challenging terrains, contributing significantly to rural development and public welfare, as noted on his LinkedIn profile.
The Chauhans’ journey was marked by resilience; they had recently welcomed their first child just four months ago after 14 years of marriage, making the tragedy even more poignant.
In the aftermath of the crash, the Uttarakhand government temporarily suspended all helicopter operations on the Char Dham Yatra route for two days as a precaution. A high-level investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the accident.
The nation collectively mourns the loss of a dedicated officer whose legacy of service, sacrifice, and devotion continues to resonate within both military circles and broader society.
