"Always tried not to make mistakes": Pilot's father after Su-30 crash in Karbi Anglong of Assam
Nagpur, March 6
Ravindra Duragkar, the father of Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, who died in the Su-30MKI crash in Assam's Karbi Anglong remembered his son on Friday as a dedicated officer who was deeply committed to his country.
Speaking to the media, he shared that he received the news of his son's demise from the unit's Group Captain.
"Due to runway-related work in Tezpur, he was posted in Jorhat. He used to share about his work. He always tried not to make mistakes. His Group Captain has officially communicated to us that he (his son) is no more," he said.
The plane also carried Squadron Leader Anuj, who was also killed in the Su-30MKI crash.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, they acknowledged the deaths on X, stating, "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 IAF had stated that the Su-30MKI was on a training sortie when it crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, Assam, which is approx 60 km from Jorhat.
The aircraft had lost radar contact at around 7.42 pm after taking off from Jorhat in Assam.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also shared his condolences with the families of two pilots killed in the IAF Su-30MKI crash in Karbi Anglong district of Assam.
He wrote on X, "Deeply saddened by the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar in the tragic Su-30 crash. Their courage and service to the nation will always be remembered with pride and gratitude. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The nation stands firmly with them in this hour of grief.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Such a tragic loss. These young men were training to protect the nation. The father's words are so dignified in his grief. The entire nation mourns with them. May their souls rest in peace.
Om Shanti. These are our real heroes, not the film stars. Flying a complex machine like the Su-30 is no joke. The risks they take for our safety are immense. Salute to Flt Lt Duragkar and Sqn Ldr Anuj. Jai Hind.
Very sad. While we honour their sacrifice, we must also ask – are we doing enough for the safety of our pilots? Training sorties shouldn't end like this. The IAF must conduct a thorough, transparent investigation. This is a respectful criticism, not disrespect.
The pain in the father's statement is palpable. "He used to share about his work..." Imagine the pride he must have felt. Now this tragedy. My thoughts are with the families in Nagpur and wherever Sqn Ldr Anuj was from. The nation is indebted.
A sobering reminder of the dangers our armed forces face even in peacetime. Condolences from the Defence Minister are important, but the real tribute is ensuring the best equipment and training protocols to prevent such accidents.
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