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Rahul Gandhi Pays Tribute to IAF Pilots Lost in Su-30MKI Crash

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic Su-30MKI crash in Assam's Karbi Anglong district, which resulted in the martyrdom of two Indian Air Force pilots. The IAF confirmed the fatalities as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, who were on a training mission when the aircraft lost radar contact. Search and rescue operations were immediately launched following the incident near Jorhat. The nation and the IAF have extended their condolences, standing in solidarity with the bereaved families of the brave air warriors.

Key Points: Rahul Gandhi Condoles Su-30MKI Crash, IAF Pilots Martyred

  • Two IAF pilots killed in Su-30MKI crash
  • Rahul Gandhi pays heartfelt tribute
  • Aircraft lost contact after takeoff from Jorhat
  • Search and rescue operations were initiated
  • The IAF expressed condolences to the families
2 min read

"Saddening and painful": Rahul Gandhi condoles Su-30MKI crash

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over the Su-30MKI crash in Assam that claimed the lives of two IAF pilots, Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar.

"The news of the martyrdom... is deeply saddening and painful. - Rahul Gandhi"

New Delhi, March 6

Congress MP and LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday condoled the death of two Indian Air Force pilots in Su-30MKI crash in Assam's Karbi Anglong district.

In a Facebook post, Gandhi described the incident as saddening and painful, adding a tribute to the deceased Indian Air Force pilots.

"The news of the martyrdom of Indian Air Force soldiers Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar in a plane crash is deeply saddening and painful. I pay my heartfelt tribute to these brave sons of India and express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The entire nation stands with them in this hour of grief," Rahul Gandhi wrote on 'X'.

Two pilots, Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, have been killed in the Su-30MKI crash in Karbi Anglong district of Assam, the Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed on Friday.

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."

Prior to the acknowledgement, they stated that a search operation was underway. "The Su-30MKI, which was on a training mission, crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, Assam, approx 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are underway," IAF said on X.

The aircraft had lost radar contact at around 7.42 pm after taking off from Jorhat in Assam.

"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," said IAF.

Speaking to ANI, a local stated that they saw the plane coming down in the evening yesterday." We heard a loud noise and an explosion... The police from the Chowki Wala police station are here. They are searching for him from the helicopter," he said.

The Su-30MKI is a two-seater fighter jet developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi. The IAF has a fleet of over 200 Su-30MKIs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Terribly sad. These pilots are the best of us. Beyond politics, this is a moment for the entire country to mourn together. Thoughts and prayers with their loved ones.
V
Vikram M
Om Shanti. The loss is immeasurable. While we appreciate the condolences from all leaders, I hope the IAF conducts a thorough investigation. We need to know if this was a technical fault with the aircraft or something else. Our pilots deserve the safest machines.
P
Priyanka N
So young, so brave. It's a stark reminder of the risks our armed forces take every single day, even during training. My heart goes out to their parents and families. Jai Hind.
M
Michael C
A tragic loss for the nation. The Su-30MKI is a backbone of our air force. Hope the search and rescue teams, and now the investigation team, get all the support they need. Respect.
R
Rohit P
Salute to the martyrs. But sir, with due respect to the political condolence, what we need more is a fast-tracked modernization and indigenization of our fleet to prevent such tragedies. We can't keep relying on old designs.

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