Yavatmal family’s Char Dham dream ends, leaving 6-yr-old behind

Rajkumar (41), Shraddha (35) and Kashi were among the seven people killed when their helicopter from Kedarnath crashed near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand, on its return leg to Guptkashi.

Speaking to reporters, Shraddha’s uncle Raju Borle said the couple, along with Shraddha’s sister and her husband, had started the trip together on June 9.

“It was Shraddha’s birthday on June 10 and they wanted to go to Char Dham. Shraddha’s sister and her husband were in another helicopter. While Shraddha’s helicopter did not reach as scheduled, her sister called me. I told them to file a complaint but then we were informed about the accident,” Borle said.

Local residents in Vani described the Jaiswals as a “devout and deeply spiritual family,” known for their involvement in religious and social activities, while also running a successful retail business.

They said that Rajkumar, described as “soft-spoken”, had long wished to undertake the Char Dham Yatra with his family. Last year, the couple hosted a Shiv Mahapuran Katha to mark Kashi’s naming ceremony — a “well-attended event led by spiritual preacher Pradeep Mishra”.

Local authorities said they are now arranging to bring the bodies back for the last rites in Pandharkawada, about an hour away from Vani, where Vivaan is now in the care of his grandparents.

The four others killed in the crash have been identified as Captain Rajbir Singh Chauhan from Jaipur, who was the pilot, Vikram Rawat from Ukhimath in Uttarakhand, and Vinod Devi and Trishti Singh from Uttar Pradesh.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condoled the deaths in a post on X. “Deeply pained by the tragic accident where passengers lost their lives in a helicopter crash near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand this morning while travelling from Kedarnath to Guptkashi. Among the victims were devotees from Maharashtra as well. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. We stand in solidarity with all those affected,” he posted.

His deputy Eknath Shinde said in another post: “The tragic helicopter accident at Gaurikund en route to Kedarnath claimed the lives of three devotees from the Jaiswal family… This is a deeply saddening incident. I have directed all concerned authorities to extend every necessary assistance to the bereaved family. The government stands firmly with them in this hour of grief. My heartfelt condolences and respectful tribute to the departed souls.”

According to a DGCA press release, the Bell 407 helicopter (VT-BKA) took off from Guptkashi at 5.10 am, landed at Kedarnath at 5.18 am, and departed again at 5.19 am. It crashed shortly after, near the forested slopes of Gaurikund.

“As a precautionary measure, DGCA has reduced the frequency of helicopter operations to Char Dham, is carrying out enhanced surveillance, and reviewing operations for any further action,” the aviation regulator said.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will lead a formal probe. Rescue teams from NDRF and SDRF were deployed immediately but found no survivors.