Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Saturday expressed grief over the death of Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Dorjee Khandu in a helicopter crash last week.

Confirming the death of Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Dorjee Khandu, home minister P. Chidambaram on Thursday said the state governor has been asked to take "necessary consequential steps", an indication that a new chief minister will be chosen.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday expressed sadness over the tragic death of Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Dorjee Khandu, saying the late leader served the state with distinction and worked tirelessly to promote its interests.

President Pratibha Patil, vice-president Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday condoled the death of Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Dorjee Khandu in a helicopter crash, saying the country had lost a charismatic leader who spent long years in public service.

Family members on Wednesday reached the site of the helicopter crash and identified the body of Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Dorjee Khandu but the other four bodies were mutilated and charred beyond recognition, officials said.