A tragic aviation accident in Assam has claimed the lives of two brave Indian Air Force pilots, turning a time of celebration into deep mourning for a family in Gurugram. Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar lost their lives when their Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed during a routine training mission on March 5, 2026. The crash occurred in the Karbi Anglong district shortly after the aircraft took off from the Jorhat Air Force Station.
What happened during the training mission?
The incident took place in the evening hours of March 5. According to reports, the twin-engine Su-30 MKI fighter jet took off from Jorhat Airbase for a standard training sortie. At approximately 7:42 PM, the aircraft lost contact with radar and disappeared. This raised an immediate alarm within the Air Force.
Search operations were launched, and it was later confirmed that the jet had crashed in the Chokihola area of Karbi Anglong district, about 60 km from the airbase. The Indian Air Force officially confirmed the loss the next day, stating that both pilots on board sustained fatal injuries. This accident marks a significant loss for the 47 Squadron stationed at Jorhat.
Personal tragedy strikes amidst wedding preparations
The loss is particularly heartbreaking for the family of Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht. At his residence in Sector 22B, Gurugram, preparations were in full swing for his wedding which was scheduled to take place in just a few days. His fiancee is also a pilot. Instead of wedding guests, relatives and friends gathered to mourn the sudden loss.
Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, the other pilot who lost his life, was also a highly skilled officer. Reports indicate he had participated in Operation Sindoor in 2025. The Indian Air Force has expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, standing firmly with them during this difficult time.
