Pradeep who died in helicopter crash was a soldier praised by President for flood relief efforts in Kerala

THRISSUR: Pradeep Arakkal, the soldier who received special praise from the President, was among those dead in the helicopter crash in Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. Pradeep was praised by the President for his rescue efforts during the floods in Kerala in 2018. Pradeep, who was serving at the Sulur airbase in Coimbatore during the floods, was on duty in Kerala.

Pradeep Arakkal, son of Arakkal Radhakrishnan, a native of Ollur, Thrissur, was the flight gunner of the crashed helicopter. Pradeep joined the Air Force in 2004 and later served as aircrew in various parts of India. Apart from the floods in Kerala, Pradeep was actively involved in the Uttarakhand floods rescue operation and various operations against the Maoists.

It was Pradeep's son's birthday a few days ago. Pradeep had been in the state for the last few days for this and for the treatment of his ailing father. The accident happened within four days of returning to duty. Pradeep's family consists of his wife and two children.