New Delhi [India], December 8 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajasthan Singh left from Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat's residence on Wednesday in the national capital amid reports that the helicopter carrying the CDS met with an accident earlier today near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.

According to the sources, Defence Minister is monitoring the situation following the crash of the IAF chopper.

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"A meeting of senior Defence Ministry officials is underway. Singh has briefed the PM about the crash," said sources.

The Indian Air Force confirmed that General Rawat was on- board an IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter that crashed earlier today near Coonoor.

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The IAF has ordered an inquiry into the accident.

"An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, with CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on board, met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. An Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident," tweeted IAF.

According to sources, along with CDS Rawat, his staff and some family members were also on-board the chopper that crashed between Coimbatore and Sulur in Tamil Nadu.

Search and rescue operations are underway, said sources.

More details are awaited. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)