Director General of Indian Coast Guard Rakesh Pal, who played a key role in boosting his force’s operational prowess, died at a hospital in Chennai on Sunday following a cardiac arrest, officials said.
Pal had taken charge as the 25th Indian Coast Guard (ICG) chief on July 19 last year.
The officer, who was to attend an ICG event along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, was admitted to Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital (RGGH) after he complained of chest pain.
“Deeply saddened at the untimely demise of Shri Rakesh Pal, DG, Indian Coast Guard in Chennai today,” the defence minister said on ‘X’.
“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,” he said.
Singh also visited the hospital where he paid respects to Pal.
The officer, who was an ardent music lover and an avid sports enthusiast, hailed from Uttar Pradesh. He is survived by wife Dipa Pal and two daughters.
Arrangements are being made to bring his mortal remains to Delhi, the officials cited above said.
Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane described Pal as “an able and committed officer” and said under his leadership the Coast Guard was making huge strides in strengthening India’s maritime security.
Under Pal’s apex supervision, the ICG carried out many major operations that included seizure of drugs and narcotic substances and gold worth crores of rupees.
In his distinguished career spanning over 34 years, the flag officer had held several key appointments on the sea and ashore. Prominent among them were Commander Coast Guard Region (North West), Deputy Director General (Policy and Plans) and Additional Director General at Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi.