Aviation – Assam Su-30 Crash Claims Life of Nagpur Pilot Purvesh Duragkar
Aviation – The Indian Air Force is mourning the loss of two officers after a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on Thursday evening. Among those who died was Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, a 28-year-old pilot from Nagpur who had previously participated in Operation Sindoor, a mission carried out against terror infrastructure in Pakistan following last year’s Pahalgam attack. The aircraft had taken off from the Jorhat airbase for a routine training sortie before it lost contact with radar shortly after departure.
Fighter jet disappears from radar during training mission
According to officials, the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI was conducting a scheduled training exercise when it vanished from radar screens at around 7:42 pm. The aircraft had departed from the Jorhat airbase in Assam, which has been temporarily hosting operations as maintenance work continues at the runway in Tezpur, where the aircraft is normally stationed.
The crash claimed the lives of Squadron Leader Anuj Vashishth and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, both experienced pilots serving in the Indian Air Force. Rescue teams and local authorities rushed to the crash site in Karbi Anglong district soon after the incident was reported.
The Air Force has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Training sorties are a routine part of fighter squadron operations, allowing pilots to maintain operational readiness and flight proficiency.
Young officer from Nagpur remembered by family and community
Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar hailed from Nagpur in Maharashtra. He was the son of Ravindra Duragkar, a retired railway transport inspector, while his mother manages the household. Family members described him as dedicated to his profession and proud of his service in the Indian Air Force.
Duragkar completed his schooling in Nagpur before pursuing a career in the armed forces. Those who knew him during his school years recall him as a hardworking and enthusiastic student who often participated in national events such as the Republic Day parade organised by his school.
Despite his demanding career, he maintained close contact with his family. According to his father, Duragkar had recently visited home along with his sister, who currently lives in the United States, for a family gathering about ten days before the accident.
Role in Operation Sindoor
Duragkar had taken part in Operation Sindoor, a military mission conducted by India in May last year. The operation was launched to target terror bases in Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam attack that had shocked the country.
While stationed at the Tezpur airbase in Assam, Duragkar was temporarily operating from Jorhat due to runway maintenance work at Tezpur. His father said the young officer remained deeply committed to his responsibilities and took immense pride in flying advanced fighter aircraft.
He often shared details about his experiences as a pilot with his family, describing the speed and precision required to operate fighter jets. According to his father, Duragkar also held his fellow officers in high regard and valued the camaraderie within the service.
Family recalls final conversation before tragedy
The last conversation between Duragkar and his family took place just a day before the accident. His father said he had spoken with his son over the phone on Wednesday, unaware that it would be their final exchange.
On Thursday, the family received the tragic news from a senior officer of the squadron. A call from the Group Captain informed them that the aircraft carrying their son had crashed during the training sortie.
For the Duragkar family, the loss has been devastating. Friends and relatives in Nagpur have gathered to offer support as the community remembers the young officer who chose a life of service in the Indian Air Force.
Investigation underway after crash
The Sukhoi Su-30 MKI is one of the Indian Air Force’s frontline multirole fighter aircraft and plays a key role in India’s air defence capabilities. While such accidents are rare, each incident is carefully investigated to ensure operational safety.
Officials have not yet announced the cause of the crash, and an inquiry is expected to review technical data, flight conditions, and other factors surrounding the incident.
As the investigation continues, tributes have begun pouring in for both pilots who lost their lives while performing their duties. The Air Force and the nation have paid respects to the officers whose service reflects the risks taken by those protecting the country’s skies.