Indian Coast Guard Director General Rakesh Pal passed away at a government hospital in Chennai due to a cardiac arrest, according to a PTI report. Pal was admitted to Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital (RGGH) earlier in the day after experiencing discomfort.
“The Coast Guard director general died following a heart attack in Chennai,” an official said. Arrangements are underway to transport his remains to Delhi.
He was scheduled to attend an Indian Coast Guard event with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Rajnath Singh present
Upon learning of Pal’s death, Singh, who was also attending a Tamil Nadu government event to release a commemorative coin marking the birth centenary of late DMK President M Karunanidhi, went to the hospital to pay his respects.
“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. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family,” Singh said in a post on X.