Speculations are rife that Naravane would be appointed as the second Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) replacing the late General Bipin Rawat, who died in a chopper crash last December.

While Rawat has become India's first CDS, he was elevated to the post after serving as the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, which has now been taken over by Indian Army Chief Naravane. 

In his tribute note, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, "Group Captain Varun Singh served the nation with pride, valour and utmost professionalism. I am extremely anguished by his passing away."

The state unit of the Central ruling party has accused Sylendra Babu of not having control over the Tamil Nadu police. 

The Indian Air Force has ordered an inquiry into the accident and a video that was filmed before the crash has become a piece of vital evidence in the investigation.

While the government has been preparing to offer a royal send-off for the deceased, it also has begun the process of picking Rawat's successor.

As the convoy has become the final journey for Bipin Rawat, hundreds of local people in the Nilgiris district had paid floral tribute to Rawat and others by showering flower petals on the ambulances.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has said, "Our deepest condolences to the Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat's family & the families of the other victims of the crash."

Six years ago, Bipin Rawat had survived a chopper crash with minor injuries on February 3, 2015.

From Sanjay Gandhi, YSR, actress Soundarya to General Bipin Rawat, India has a history of air crashes that had killed prominent leaders. Here's the list of ten personalities who had a tragic end.