Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was killed in the Su-30 MKI fighter jet crash in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, just days before his scheduled wedding, turning what was meant to be a joyful time for his family into a moment of deep mourning.
Tragedy Strikes During Training Sortie
The IAF confirmed that Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar lost their lives after their Su-30 MKI aircraft, which was on a training sortie, disappeared from radar shortly after taking off from Jorhat Air Base.
Search and recovery efforts later confirmed the crash in the hilly terrain of Karbi Anglong in Assam.
Wedding Preparations Turn Into Grief
At Vashisht’s residence in Sector 22B, Gurugram, preparations were underway for his upcoming wedding when the tragic news arrived.
According to family members, an IAF official called the family on Friday afternoon to inform them about the crash, leaving relatives and friends in shock. Some members of the family immediately left for Assam after receiving the news.
The officer’s mother has not yet been told about his death and has only been informed that her son was injured in the crash.
Background and Family
Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht hailed from Bhiwani district in Haryana. He completed his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Sector 14, Gurugram, before joining the Indian Air Force to serve the nation as a fighter pilot.
He is survived by:
- Father: Subedar (Retd) Anand Prakash
- Mother: Anita Devi
- Younger brother
According to family sources, his fiancée is also a pilot, and preparations for their wedding were in full swing before the tragic accident.
Nation Mourns the Loss
Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh and Haryana’s Military and Paramilitary Welfare Minister Rao Narbir Singh expressed condolences, stating that the nation will always remember the sacrifice of its brave air warriors.
They said Squadron Leader Vashisht displayed extraordinary courage, dedication and patriotism, and his supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation will continue to inspire generations.
