Rakesh Pal, the Indian Coast Guard’s Director General, passed away on Sunday in a Chennai hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest. Pal was instrumental in enhancing the operational powers of his force.
Rakesh Pal took over as the 25th Indian Coast Guard (ICG) chief on 19 July, 2023.
The officer, who was scheduled to attend an ICG event alongside Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, was brought to Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital (RGGH) after complaining 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.
Defence Minister along with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited the hospital and paid tribute to Pal.
The officer was from Uttar Pradesh and had a strong passion for sports and music. He is survived by wife Dipa Pal and two daughters.
The ICG conducted numerous significant operations, including the recovery of cocaine and other narcotics as well as gold valued at crores of rupees, under Pal’s supreme supervision.
Throughout his illustrious 34-year career, the flag officer handled a number of important positions both ashore and at sea. Deputy Director General (Policy and Plans), Commander Coast Guard Region (North West) and Additional Director General at Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi were prominent positions among them.
He also held several distinguished staff positions, including Director (Infra and Works) and Principal Director (Administration) at Coast Guard Headquarters.
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Source: Business Standard
