Indian Coast Guard DG Rakesh Pal dies of heart attack

CHENNAI: Indian Coast Guard Director General Rakesh Pal died on Sunday after suffering a massive heart attack. At 2:30 pm on Sunday, Rakesh Pal suffered a heart attack while attending an important meeting at INS Adyar. He was immediately admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital in Chennai, but died at seven o'clock in the evening, according to the official announcement.

Rakesh Pal had come to assess the security arrangements in the wake of Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh's arrival in Chennai. The heart attack occurred while attending a meeting related to this. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reached the hospital and paid their last respects.

Rakesh Pal, a native of Uttar Pradesh, joined the Coast Guard in January 1989. In July 2023, he took charge as the Chief of the Coast Guard. In his 34 years of service, Pal had been honoured with many ranks.

An expert in Gunnery and Weapons Systems, Rakesh Pal was also the master brain behind busting major drug cartels that used the sea route to transport banned substances. Pal is a recipient of the President’s Tatrakshak Medal and leaves behind his wife Deepa Pal and children Snehal and Tarushi.

The mortal remains will be taken to Delhi after completing legal proceedings.