Shri Rakesh Pal, Director General Indian Coast Guard Dies of Cardiac Arrest in Chennai
Indian Coast Guard chief, Shri Rakesh Pal died of a cardiac arrest in Chennai today. Shri Rajnath Singh , Raksha Mantri in his condolence message said Shri Rakesh Pal, Director General was a very able and committed officer.
“Deeply saddened at the untimely demise of Shri Rakesh Pal, DG, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) 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,” Mr Singh said.
Shri Rakesh Pal had taken charge as the 25th Director General of the ICG on July 19 last year. He was scheduled to meet the Raksha Mantri at an ICG event, but was admitted to Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital earlier in the day after he complained of uneasiness, officials said.
Shri Rajnath Singh, who also attended a Tamil Nadu government event to release a commemorative coin on DMK leader late M Karunanidhi’s birth centenary, rushed to the hospital to pay his respects to Shri Rakesh Pal.
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 the Commander of Coast Guard Region (North West), Deputy Director General (Policy and Plans), and Additional Director General at Coast Guard Headquarters in Delhi.
He also held various prestigious staff assignments namely Director (Infra and Works) and Principal Director (Administration) at Coast Guard headquarters.
Shri Rakesh Pal was known for having vast sea experience and commanded all classes of ICG ships, namely Samarth, Vijit, Sucheta Kriplani, Ahalyabai, and C-03.
The officer also commanded two Coast Guard Bases in forward areas in Gujarat — Okha and Vadinar.
He was elevated to the level of Additional Director General in February 2022 and appointed as Additional Director General at Coast Guard headquarters.
Under his supervision, the Coast Guard carried out many major operations and exercises that included the seizure of drugs and narcotic substances and gold worth crores of rupees.
