Two Indian Air Force pilots were killed after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed near Chokihola in Karbi Anglong district during a night training mission on Thursday night (March 5). The jet, part of a four-aircraft formation, failed to return to base after radar contact was lost over Santilangso near Barpung, roughly 60 km from Jorhat. The pilots were identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Durgakar.
The IAF confirmed the fatalities, saying in a post on a microblogging platform, “IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Durgakar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash.” The service expressed condolences to the families and said its personnel stand with the bereaved.
Officials said the aircraft was on routine night-flying training when it did not return. Administrative sources in Diphu said a search team was dispatched to determine the circumstances of the mishap and that radar contact was lost in the Santilangso area near Barpung.
A large overnight rescue and recovery operation involved IAF teams, the Army and paramilitary forces. Responders later recovered wreckage from the hillside and reported finding scattered human remains at the crash site.
Local residents near Kolapahar recalled hearing an unusual noise before seeing the aircraft go down. One resident said they noticed smoke rising from the hill and a brief fire after the plane fell.
Authorities have recovered the wreckage and remain on site; an official investigation and further searches were underway to establish the cause of the crash
