Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren mourns death of two IAF pilots in Su-30MKI crash in Assam

Ranchi- Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday expressed deep grief over the death of two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots who were killed after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam.

The deceased officers were identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar.

In a message posted on social media, CM Soren said he was deeply saddened by the tragic incident.

“Deeply pained by the news of the Su-30 crash in Assam and the loss of our bravehearts, Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar. Their service and sacrifice for the nation will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. We stand with them in this hour of grief. Jai Hind!” he said.

Earlier, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed sorrow over the deaths of the two officers.

In a post on Facebook, Gandhi said the news of the sacrifice of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar in the crash was deeply saddening. He paid tribute to the officers and extended condolences to their families, adding that the entire nation stands with them in this moment of grief.

The IAF confirmed on Friday that the two pilots sustained fatal injuries in the crash that took place on Thursday.

“All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief,” the Air Force said in a post on X.

According to defence officials, the Su-30MKI fighter jet was on a routine training mission when it crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, about 60 km from Jorhat. The aircraft reportedly lost radar contact during the sortie before crashing.

The Sukhoi-30MKI is among the frontline multi-role fighter aircraft of the IAF and plays a vital role in India’s air defence.

Similar incidents have occurred earlier as well. In August 2019, a Su-30MKI crashed in a paddy field near Tezpur during a training sortie, though both pilots ejected safely. In May 2015, another Su-30MKI crashed about 36 km south of the Tezpur Air Force base shortly after take-off, with both pilots ejecting safely.

With inputs from IANS