What was meant to be a sacred and spiritual journey turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for a business family from Maharashtra. On Sunday morning, a Bell 407 helicopter ferrying pilgrims from Kedarnath to Guptkashi crashed near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand, killing all seven people on board. Among the victims were Rajkumar Jaiswal (41), his wife Shraddha Jaiswal (35), and their two-year-old daughter, Kashi. The family was on a Char Dham Yatra, fulfilling a long-standing religious wish. Their six-year-old son Vivaan, who had stayed back in Maharashtra with his grandparents, is now the only surviving member of the immediate family.
What Happened: Timeline of the Helicopter Crash
According to officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the helicopter took off from Guptkashi at 5:10 AM, landed at Kedarnath by 5:18 AM, and departed again at 5:19 AM with six passengers and the pilot onboard. Moments later, it crashed into a forested slope near Gaurikund. The chopper was operated by Aryan Aviation, one of the private charter services authorized to ferry pilgrims in the high-altitude Char Dham region. Unfortunately, all seven people aboard — five adults, one child, and the pilot — were killed instantly due to the impact.
Helicopter carrying pilgrims travelling from Dehradun to Kedarnath crashed after going missing in Gaurikund, Uttarakhand#helicopter #helicoptercrash #Kedarnath #Gaurikund pic.twitter.com/jBdlKZyWGs
— The-Pulse (@ThePulseIndia) June 15, 2025
The Victims: A Family’s Dream Ends in Devastation
Among the deceased were:
- Rajkumar Jaiswal (41) – A well-known businessman from Vani town in Yavatmal district, Maharashtra
- Shraddha Jaiswal (35) – His wife, described by locals as warm and deeply spiritual
- Kashi Jaiswal (2) – Their young daughter
- Captain Rajbir Singh – The experienced pilot flying the helicopter
- Vikram Rawat – A resident of Ukhimath, Uttarakhand
- Vinod Devi and Trishti Singh – From Uttar Pradesh
The sudden death of the Jaiswal family shocked their hometown. Locals remember Rajkumar as soft-spoken, religious, and community-focused. The couple had recently organized a grand Shiv Mahapuran Katha during their daughter’s naming ceremony, attended by hundreds, including spiritual leader Pradeep Mishra.
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A Dream Pilgrimage Turns Fatal
The Char Dham Yatra, which includes visits to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, is a deeply significant religious journey for many Hindus. The Jaiswals began their pilgrimage on June 12, fulfilling a vow they had made years earlier. Their dream journey was filled with devotion, but fate had a cruel twist in store. The family had already visited Kedarnath and was returning to Guptkashi when tragedy struck. Their surviving son, Vivaan, was not part of the trip due to his young age. Today, he is the only glimmer of hope left in a household otherwise devastated by loss.
Vani Town in Mourning
In Vani, a small town nestled in the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, the news of the crash has cast a deep shadow. The community has been in collective mourning since the news broke. Local residents and relatives gathered at the Jaiswal home to express condolences and remember the family’s contribution to business, religion, and society. According to local reports, the authorities are now working to bring the bodies back to Pandharkawda for the final rites. Community leaders have also urged for enhanced safety protocols in pilgrimage zones to avoid such tragedies in the future.
DGCA Takes Precautionary Measures
Following the crash, the DGCA issued a statement announcing that helicopter operations in the Char Dham area are under intense scrutiny. As a precaution, the frequency of operations has already been reduced, and a full-scale safety audit and review is underway.
An official said We are carrying out enhanced surveillance and reviewing helicopter service providers operating in high-risk zones. Safety is our top priority.” Initial reports suggest that weather conditions and possible technical failure could be responsible, but an investigation is ongoing.
Helicopter Pilgrimages: Blessing or Risk?
Over the last few years, helicopter services have made high-altitude pilgrimages more accessible for elderly and time-constrained devotees. However, this convenience comes with risks. The tough terrain, unpredictable weather, and overworked aircraft during peak season create a volatile environment.
While private operators maintain they follow safety norms, recent incidents like this one raise urgent questions. Experts are now calling for:
- Real-time flight tracking in mountainous regions
- Modernization of older aircraft models
- Advanced weather monitoring systems
- Mandatory rest periods for pilots
Final Thoughts: A Wake-Up Call for Safety
The Uttarakhand chopper crash of June 2025 serves as a grim reminder of the challenges that come with high-altitude pilgrimages. While faith remains the foundation of journeys like the Char Dham Yatra, safety protocols, accountability, and technological upgrades must match the rising demand for spiritual tourism.
For the Jaiswal family, their pilgrimage was not just a trip — it was a dream, a commitment to their beliefs. That such a journey ended in tragedy is a deep wound not just for their loved ones, but for the entire nation.
