BP Bhatt, the pilot of the Ranchi-bound BSF plane carrying technical personnel that crashed near Dwarka in Delhi on Tuesday morning, killing all the ten persons abroad, hailed from Rudraprayag. He used to visit Dehradun off and on and spend days with his relatives and friends. The ill-fated plane exploded outside Indira Gandhi International airport shortly after take-off.
The family members of the deceased who are staying in Dehradun sounded shell-shocked with the news of Bhatt’s untimely death. Crying uncontrollably, Manju Bhatt, deceased’s sister-in-law (Bhabhi), who is living at Netaji Mohallah off Tilak Road in Dehradun, said that she had learnt about the death on the television. Notably, BP Bhatt was residing in Delhi along with his wife and other family members. Two months ago, his wife gave birth to a male child.
The deceased’s Bhabhi said he had last visited Dehradun in December last year and stayed with them at their rented accommodation at Netaji Mohallah. “We would keep on treasuring those mirthful days in the deeps of our hearts when the person who loved us dearly is no more,” she said.
Shashi Bitthal who was close to the deceased pilot and house owner said they had lived in the same house around 12 years ago while they were studying in colleges. “BP Bhatt had completed his graduation from that house. His marriage was held in Sahastradhara and I attended it. I have lost a dear one, an unfailing friend, always inclined to stand by me through thick and thin. The death is sad not just it is untimely but also because the country has lost a skilled pilot,” she said, eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Recollecting the fond memory associated with the deceased, Archit Bhatt, nephew of the pilot, said that he had been unshakably committed to the service of the nation. “Whenever we met he used to ask me to focus more on studies. He made me dream to work in the defence. His last visit here was no exception. He stressed on the same,” he recounted.
Rajiv Bitthal, a friend of the deceased, said, “ In December last year when he was in Dehradun he offered a party. We enjoyed it together. He was a very jolly kind of person, always in high spirit, robust in optimism and careless of the challenges that lurks in every turn of life. He was fond of taking challenges in his stride. He inspired us to be like him,” he added.