Why Did HAL’s Veteran Chief Test Pilot Kill Himself?

A question troubling Squadron Leader (Retd) Baldev Singh‘s many friends in the flying fraternity and air force. There is no information so far on a suicide note. Investigations are currently on, and it’s too early to speculate on what happened: was it work pressure (Singh was recently elevated to the position of a Director at HAL), was it something personal. I’ve interacted with Sqn Ldr Singh on a few occasions since 2004, but I cannot say that I knew him well. I did speak to six people who either knew him well or worked closely with him, and all describe him as a soft-spoken, sober, self-effacing gentleman. This wire service report has several details about what happened today.

My condolences to the family he leaves behind: his wife, Vibhu, and sons Mohit and Nimit, both based abroad. And I will post, as and when I get more information on this deeply tragic turn of events. R.I.P

23 thoughts on “Why Did HAL’s Veteran Chief Test Pilot Kill Himself?”

  1. Anantha Krishnan M.

    R.I.P. Baldy. Great guy. Not in a position to write an obit today — some rare occasions when we journos too get overpowered by strange feelings. I had sent him a bouquet when he took over as the marketing chief. He had called me and thanked for the 'Singh is King' piece on Tarmak007. We will miss you Baldy.

  2. I have noticed some trends worldwide related to death of Indians under suspicious circumstances. This may sound like a conspiracy theory but I think this may be part of a Sino-Pak or US plan to eliminate Indians who can possibly contribute strategically to the Indian nation. Examples include :
    1. Death of a prominent Indian mathematician who mentored Google founders. Died in a US swimming pool some 2-3 years back.
    2. Strangulation of a Tamil Nadu nuclear scientist who worked in the TN nuclear plant – may be to access sabotage material in case of a war.
    3. A few others I have to recall.

  3. "
    Remember when you gaze on Sri Guru Nanak Sahib,
    He gazes on you. When you behold Him, He the All-Merciful Lord,
    casts his glance of mercy on you and when you contemplate and meditate on Him,
    the All-Loving Guru, out of Compassion accepts you in His Holy folds.
    In this holy process, the Great Jagat Guru (The Enlightener of the world)
    leads you from Darkness to Light, from Death to Life Eternal."

    “Nanak Naam Chardi Kala, Tere Bhane' Sarbaht dah Phahla”

  4. Shiv Sir,

    While I really appreciate the concern and sorrow for this isssue, I think all of us should also provide the family and loved ones space and minimise over-exposure. If it was a suicide, I don't think anyone is helped by conspiracy theories and name calling. I certainly wouldn't appreciate a lot of loudness by folks who know nothing about the truth if this were in my family.

  5. Common Sense: I take your point. There will be no indiscrete posts, rest assured. And what I've posted now is what the police has released to the press and wire services.

  6. Very shocking news!! I think a detailed impartial investigation needs to be done.. It's a great loss to India's indigenous aerospace development.. Anybody responsible for the tragic death should be punished.

  7. @ anonymous- work pressure and tejas delay is responsible for it .???
    dear, both cannot go hand in hand if work pressure then Tejas would be in operational deployment before 2 yrs back…

  8. … and there were reports that Homi Bhabha, the founder father of India's nuclear program, was also probably bumped off in the early 1960s in the air crash.

  9. very unnerving report that news article…

    PS: close the comments please on this…not one for random people to make insane comments!!

  10. in HAL ex-servicemen are over loaded and pressure is also more.
    They are unable to express their grief.
    For this we are only responsible as there is no coordination between officers and workman(Retd ex IAF)

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