Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar killed in Assam Su-30 crash was part of ‘Operation Sindoor’

Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, one of the two Indian Air Force pilots killed in the crash of a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet in Assam, had earlier taken part in a mission known as “Operation Sindoor”, his family revealed.

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft, which was on a routine training mission, crashed in Karbi Anglong district on March 5, killing both pilots on board. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat Air Force Station before the accident occurred.

The IAF later confirmed that Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar sustained fatal injuries in the crash. In a statement, the Air Force expressed condolences to the families of the two officers.

“The 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 families in this time of grief,” the statement said.

Speaking from Nagpur, Duragkar’s father Ravindra Duragkar said his son was deeply committed to serving the nation and had always been dedicated to his duties.

“Fifteen days after Operation Sindoor was paused, we came to know that he was part of the operation. During that time he did not have his mobile phone with him and we were not in touch,” he said.

He added that Duragkar had been posted to Jorhat due to runway-related work at Tezpur Air Force Station and often spoke about his work with dedication.

“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. He had a short tenure of four years,” Ravindra Duragkar said.

The crash has left the families of the two officers and the Air Force community mourning the loss of young pilots who died while serving the nation.