Guwahati: A fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF), a Sukhoi Su-30MKI, crashed in the hilly terrain of Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on the evening of March 5 shortly after taking off from the Jorhat Air Force Station. Both the pilots of the Su-30 MKI were martyred in the fatal accident. The tragic accident claimed the lives of two pilots, Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar.
According to official sources, the aircraft lost radar contact with Air Traffic Services (ATS) minutes after take-off. The last communication from the fighter jet was recorded at around 7:42 pm before it disappeared from radar while flying over Karbi Anglong.
Following the loss of contact, authorities immediately initiated a search and rescue (SAR) operation in the area. The wreckage of the aircraft was later located in the rugged hill terrain of the Chokihula village in Karbi Anglong district.
Residents of several nearby villages reported hearing a loud explosion-like sound around 8 pm, which echoed across the hills and caused alarm among locals. Some villagers also claimed to have seen smoke rising from the direction of the hills, indicating the possible crash location.
The Indian Air Force later confirmed the deaths of the two pilots. In a statement, the IAF expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating that Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar sustained fatal injuries in the crash. In an official statement, IAF said, “IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.”
The Air Force extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and assured them that the entire force stands in solidarity with them in this moment of grief. Authorities are expected to initiate a detailed investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the crash. Su-30 MKI is India’s leading multirole fighter jet, extensively deployed in the eastern border.
