Leaders Mourn the Loss of Indian Coast Guard Chief Rakesh Pal

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin paid homage to Indian Coast Guard chief Rakesh Pal, who died in Chennai due to cardiac arrest. Singh hailed Pal's contributions to India's maritime security. Pal was the 25th director general since July last year.

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 following a cardiac arrest. Rajnath Singh, expressing his grief on X (formerly Twitter), lauded Pal as an able and committed officer whose leadership significantly strengthened India's maritime security. He extended his heartfelt condolences to Pal's bereaved family.

'Deeply saddened at the untimely demise of Shri Rakesh Pal, DG, Indian Coast Guard, in Chennai today,' the Defence Minister wrote on X. 'He was an able and committed officer under whose leadership ICG was making big strides in strengthening India's maritime security.' Pal was taken to Rajeev Gandhi government hospital after feeling uneasy, but despite immediate treatment, he could not be saved.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister also honored the officer at the hospital. DG Rakesh Pal became the 25th director general of the Indian Coast Guard in July last year. An alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy, Pal joined the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989 and specialized in Gunnery and Weapons Systems at the Indian Naval School Dronacharya, Kochi, and completed a course in Electro-Optics Fire Control Solutions from the United Kingdom.

In recognition of his illustrious service, DG Rakesh Pal received the Tatrakshak Medal in 2013 and the President Tatrakshak Medal in 2018. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)