GUWAHATI, March 6: Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crash in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district that claimed the lives of two Indian Air Force pilots on March 5 has revealed a poignant detail about one of the officers. The family of Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar said he had earlier taken part in a mission referred to as “Operation Sindoor” .Su-30MKI Crash
The aircraft, which was on a routine training sortie, had taken off from Jorhat Air Force Station before crashing, killing both pilots on board. The IAF later confirmed that Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Duragkar sustained fatal injuries in the accident.
In an official statement, the Indian Air Force expressed grief over the loss of the officers and extended condolences to their families. The statement said the entire Air Force fraternity stood firmly with the bereaved families during the difficult time.
Speaking from Nagpur, Duragkar’s father, Ravindra Duragkar, said his son was deeply devoted to serving the country and had always remained committed to his responsibilities as an Air Force officer.
He said the family came to know about his participation in Operation Sindoor only after the operation had been paused for about fifteen days, as Duragkar had not been in contact with them during that period and did not have his mobile phone.
According to his father, Duragkar had been posted to Jorhat due to runway-related work at Tezpur Air Force Station and often spoke passionately about his duties.
“My son sacrificed himself in the service of the nation. Everyone should take inspiration from him. He achieved his dream but could not serve the nation as much as he wanted to. His tenure in the Air Force lasted only four years,” Ravindra Duragkar said.
The tragic crash has left the families of the two officers and the Indian Air Force community mourning the loss of young pilots who died while serving the nation.
