Char Dham tragedy: Maharashtra family among 7 killed in Kedarnath helicopter crash

UTTARAKHAND / YAVATMAL: A Char Dham pilgrimage turned into a devastating tragedy for the Jaiswal family from Vani in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district when a helicopter carrying Rajkumar Jaiswal (41), his wife Shraddha (35), and their two-year-old daughter Kashi crashed near Gaurikund on Sunday morning. All three were among the seven people killed.

The Jaiswals had left their six-year-old son Vivaan with Shraddha’s parents before embarking on the yatra on June 9. Shraddha’s birthday was on June 10, and the trip was a cherished dream for the devout couple, known in their community for their religious activities and philanthropy. Last year, they had hosted a grand Shiv Mahapuran Katha to mark their daughter’s naming ceremony.

The helicopter, a Bell 407 (VT-BKA), had taken off from Guptkashi at 5:10 am, landed at Kedarnath at 5:18 am, and departed again at 5:19 am. It crashed minutes later in the forested slopes near Gaurikund. The other victims included pilot Capt Rajbir Singh Chauhan (Jaipur), Vikram Rawat (Ukhimath), and pilgrims Vinod Devi and Trishti Singh (Uttar Pradesh). Rescue teams found no survivors.

Shraddha’s sister and brother-in-law, who were travelling in a separate helicopter, raised the alarm when their flight failed to return. Family members and locals in Vani described the Jaiswals as a kind-hearted and spiritually committed couple. Vivaan is currently in the care of his grandparents in Pandharkawada, where the bodies will be brought for final rites.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde expressed condolences and assured all assistance to the grieving family. The DGCA has reduced helicopter frequency to Char Dham as a precaution and ordered enhanced surveillance, while the AAIB has initiated a full investigation.

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