IAF pilots killed in Sukhoi crash were not married
Squadron Leader Anuj Vashishth, 33, and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, 27, lost their lives on Thursday when their Sukhoi Su-30MKI crashed during a routine training flight in Assam's Karbi Anglong district.
The jet went down in hilly terrain about 60km from Jorhat Air Force Station after radar contact was lost at 7:42pm.
Locals reported hearing an explosion and seeing smoke.
IAF begins inquiry into crash
The Indian Air Force confirmed both pilots' deaths on Friday and has launched an inquiry to figure out what caused the crash: technical, environmental, or operational issues are all being looked at.
Family was preparing for his wedding
Vashishth's family and friends gathered at his Gurgaon home to mourn.
His mother initially heard he might have survived but was injured; his father, a retired Army JCO, rushed to Jorhat, while his brother flew in from London.
The family had been preparing for Anuj's wedding later this year—a plan now replaced by grief as his last rites are set for Saturday.
His career and personal life
Anuj Vashishth joined the Indian Air Force 10 years ago after earning his B.Tech. and working at TCS.
He'd been posted in Assam for seven months before the accident.
Known among loved ones as dedicated and warm-hearted, he leaves behind memories of commitment both to country and family.