NEW DELHI/ CHENNAI: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) chief Rakesh Pal died on Sunday following a heart attack in Chennai, officials said.   died at a government hospital here following a cardiac arrest, Defence sources here said.
Rakesh Pal had taken charge as the 25th Director General of the ICG on July 19 last year. He was scheduled to meet the Defence Minister at an ICG event, but was admitted to Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital earlier in the day after he complained of uneasiness, officials said. Arrangements are being made to bring his mortal remains to Delhi, the officials said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in his condolence message said Director General Pal was “an able and committed officer”.”Deeply saddened at the untimely demise of 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.
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 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.
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. 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.
In his distinguished career spanning over 34 years, the flag officer had held several key appointments on the sea and ashore. He also held various prestigious staff assignments namely Director (Infra and Works) and Principal Director (Administration) at Coast Guard headquarters.
Pal was known for having vast sea experience and commanded all class of Indian Coast Guard ships namely Samarth, Vijit, Sucheta Kriplani, Ahalyabai and C-03.The officer also commanded two Coast Guard Bases in forward area in Gujarat — Okha and Vadinar.
(Bureau Report with Inputs from Chennai Office).

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