IAF pilot Purvesh Duragkar killed in Assam Su-30 crash had taken part in Operation Sindoor, says family
PTC Web Desk: Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, one of the two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots who lost their lives in the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet crash in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on Thursday, had earlier participated in the military operation launched by India following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam last year.
The 28-year-old officer was part of Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory mission carried out by Indian security forces after the April 22 terror strike in Pahalgam. The attack had been carried out by The Resistance Front, a group believed to be linked to Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Duragkar’s father, Ravindra Duragkar, said the family was unaware of his role in the operation at the time it was carried out. According to him, they learned about his participation only about two weeks after the operation was halted.
He explained that the young officer had no access to his mobile phone during the mission period, which meant the family remained out of contact with him for several days.
India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting multiple terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Security forces reportedly eliminated more than 100 terrorists during the strikes. The situation escalated further when Pakistan responded with missile and drone attacks, which were intercepted by Indian defence systems. In response, India conducted strikes on Pakistani airfields before both sides agreed to a ceasefire on May 10.
Flight Lieutenant Purvesh had spoken to his father just a day before the tragic crash.
He and Squadron Leader Anuj were flying a training sortie in a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet when the aircraft went missing shortly after take-off from the Jorhat airbase. Officials said communication with the Russian-origin fighter jet was lost at around 7:42 pm. The wreckage was later found in the Karbi Anglong region, confirming the deaths of both pilots.
Remembering his son, Ravindra Duragkar said Purvesh was deeply passionate about flying and took great pride in serving in the Indian Air Force. He often shared stories with his family about operating fighter aircraft and the remarkable speed and capabilities of IAF jets. He also held immense respect for his fellow officers.
Originally stationed at the Tezpur airbase in Assam, Purvesh had been temporarily operating from Jorhat as maintenance work was underway on the runway at Tezpur.
Calling him a true patriot, his father said the young officer had sacrificed his life in service of the nation and hoped that others would draw inspiration from his dedication. He added that although Purvesh fulfilled his dream of becoming a fighter pilot, his career in the Air Force lasted only four years.
The officer had visited his home in Nagpur, Maharashtra, just 10 days before the accident to attend a family gathering.
Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, who completed his schooling in Nagpur, was unmarried. He is survived by his parents and a sister who currently lives in the United States.
- With inputs from agencies
