Indian Coast Guard Chief Rakesh Pal Passes Away, Tributes Pour In

Indian Coast Guard Chief Rakesh Pal passed away in Chennai following a cardiac arrest. Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed their condolences. Pal, a decorated officer, made significant contributions to India's maritime security.

Following the untimely demise of Rakesh Pal, the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, along with all ranks of the Indian Army, expressed their deepest condolences on Sunday. The Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army posted on social media platform X, stating, "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, and all ranks of the Indian Army express their deepest condolences on the untimely demise of Rakesh Pal, Director General, Indian Coast Guard, in Chennai today. The Indian Army offers prayers for the departed soul and stands firm with the bereaved family in this hour of grief."

Indian Coast Guard Chief Rakesh Pal passed away in Chennai on Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was taken to Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital in the city after feeling unwell. Despite receiving immediate treatment, he could not be saved.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin paid their last respects to the ICG Chief in Chennai. Expressing grief over the demise of the ICG Chief on social media platform X, Rajnath Singh wrote, "Pal was an able and committed officer under whose leadership the ICG was making significant strides in strengthening India's maritime security. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family."

"Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Shri Rakesh Pal, DG, Indian Coast Guard, in Chennai today. He was an able and committed officer under whose leadership the ICG was making significant strides in strengthening India's maritime security," the Defence Minister wrote. DG Rakesh Pal was appointed as the 25th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard in July last year.

An alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy, DG Rakesh Pal joined the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989. He underwent professional specialization in Gunnery and Weapons Systems at the Indian Naval School Dronacharya, Kochi, and completed an Electro-Optics Fire Control Solution course in the United Kingdom. DG Rakesh Pal was awarded the Tatrakshak Medal in 2013 and the President Tatrakshak Medal in 2018 for his distinguished service. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)