Kolkata: On Wednesday morning when Mandira Rai in Darjeeling of West Bengal got a video call from her husband, Satpal Rai, in an aircraft, she did not know she was going to see him for the last time. Hours later when the crash of a Mi-17V5 chopper-- carrying Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika and 11 military personnel-- in Tamil Nadu shocked the nation, Mandira's worst fear came true.
Satpal (41), a Havildar of the Indian Army, was among the 13 victims. He was the Personal Security Officer of Gen Rawat and also belonged to his unit- 5/11 Gorkha Rifles.
On Thursday Mandira said, “He told me on December 7 he would travel with the CDS to TN for a day. On Wednesday at around 8.30 am he made a video call, showing me he was sitting in an aircraft. He said they would take off soon and would call me once after reaching the destination. Later I tried to connect with him many times but failed. I thought there was a network problem. After that, I learnt of a chopper crash from my sister. As I switched on the TV, it was in the news. He died serving the country. I am proud of him.”
She added, "He was to retire from the service with the CDS in 2024." Satpal last visited his home at Katusay Bustee in Takdah of Rangli-Rangliot of the hills in October and left on November 21. He is survived by his mother, wife, son and daughter.
Enrolled in 2002, Satpal earlier served in Siachen, Naushera, Nagaland and Manipur. Satpal's son, Bikkal, has been in his unit for the last one year. He is in New Delhi to bring his father's body home for last rites.
In a condolence message, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, "Satpal Rai has dedicated his life to the motherland. The demise of this brave son of the hills is an irreparable loss. We will always remember the sacrifice of Bengal's brave son Satpal Rai. I express my deepest sympathy to his bereaved mother and members of his family. I have written to his bereaved mother today morning expressing my pain on this untimely demise. Besides, I also express my heartfelt condolence to the kin of all other defence personnel who died in that tragic accident yesterday."
