Nagpur:Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots—Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar—were killed on Thursday (March 5) after a Sukhoi Su 30 MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Along. Notably, Flight Lieutenant Duragkar was part of India’s Operation Sindoor in May last year against Pakistan, which was carried out to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

The family had spoken with the IAF pilot on Wednesday, a day before the deadly crash. The 28-year-old flight lieutenant had returned from his home in Maharashtra’s Nagpur 10 days ago.. We had spoken on Wednesday. His Group Captain got in touch with us and informed us about the accident," said Ravindra Duragkar, Flight Lieutenant Pravesh Duragkar's father, as quoted by PTI. As per Ravindra, his son was originally.

Ravindra said that his was originally posted in Tezpur, Assam, but was operating from Jorhat as work was being carried out on the Tezpur runway. A neighbour told PTI that Purvesh is survived by his parents and a sister settled in the US. Purvesh and his sister, an IITian, had come home ten days ago for a family get-together, the neighbour said.

The IAF officer's father also recalled the family function. Purvesh, who did his schooling in Nagpur, was single. Ravindra said his son's body is likely to reach Nagpur in the evening. "My son was extremely proud to be part of the Indian Air Force. He would sometimes share his experience of flying fighter planes and the speeds that IAF jets achieve. He held his colleagues in high regard," he said, as quoted by the news agency.

What Had Happened To Su-30 MKI That Crashed In Karbi Along?

The fighter took off from the Jorhat Airbase on Thursday evening. However, shortly after its takeoff, the jet lost connection with radar at around 7:42 pm in Karbi Along district. After the aircraft lost connection, the IAF announced that the jet went missing.

“An IAF Su-30 MKI is reported overdue. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat, Assam and was last in contact at 7.42 pm. Further details are being ascertained. Search and Rescue mission has been initiated,” the IAF had tweeted.

Locals Heard Loud Explosion: According to reports, locals heard a loud explosion in Karbi Along. Eyewitnesses said the sound was extremely loud and echoed across the surrounding hills, causing panic among residents. Some locals also reported noticing smoke rising from the direction of the hills shortly after the explosion.

The IAF, on Friday morning, confirmed the deaths of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. The fighter jet was reportedly on a trainee sortie and took off from Jorhat. Soon after its takeoff, the Su-30 MKI disappeared from the radar.

"The IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash," the IAF said in a brief statement. "All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” it added.

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