Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 18 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin paid their last respects to Indian Coast Guard (ICG) chief Rakesh Pal, who passed away on Sunday in Chennai after suffering a cardiac arrest on Sunday.

Expressing grief over the demise of ICG chief, Rajnath Singh on X wrote, Pal was an able and committed officer under whose leadership ICG was making big strides in strengthening India's maritime security. "My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family," his post on X added.

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"Deeply saddened at the untimely demise of Shri Rakesh Pal, DG, Indian Coast Guard, in Chennai today. He was an able and committed officer under whose leadership ICG was making big strides in strengthening India's maritime security," wrote Defence Minister on X.

He was taken to the Rajeev Gandhi government hospital in the city after he felt uneasy. He was given immediate treatment but could not be saved.

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister also paid last respects to the officer in the hospital.

DG Rakesh Pal was appointed as the 25th director general of the Indian Coast Guard in July last year.

He was an alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy and joined the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989.

He has undergone professional specialisation in Gunnery and Weapons Systems at the Indian Naval School Dronacharya, Kochi, and an Electro-Optics Fire Control Solution course from the United Kingdom.

DG Rakesh Pal was conferred with the Tatrakshak Medal in 2013 and the President Tatrakshak Medal in 2018 for his illustrious service. (ANI)

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