Su-30MKI crash: IAF pilot Purvesh Duragkar laid to rest with full military honours

Today the nation bid an emotional farewell to Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar , the Indian Air Force officer who lost his life in the crash of a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet in Assam earlier this week.

The 28 year old pilot was cremated with full military honours at Manewada Ghat on Saturday. Family members, relatives, defence personnel, friends and several dignitaries gathered to pay their final respects to the young officer who had served the nation with courage and dedication.

Duragkar, along with Anuj , lost his life when their Su 30MKI fighter aircraft crashed in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam . According to the Indian Air Force , the aircraft had taken off from Jorhat Air Force Station for a routine training sortie on Thursday but soon disappeared from radar before the tragic crash.

Following the incident, Duragkar’s mortal remains were first brought to New Delhi , where tributes were paid by defence officials. They were later transported to the Air Force Station Sonegaon in Nagpur , and finally taken to his residence at New Subedar Layout so that family members and local residents could pay their respects.

During the funeral ceremony, a ceremonial gun salute by jawans marked the final farewell, reflecting the military tradition of honouring a fallen soldier.

Among those present was Chandrashekhar Bawankule , Guardian Minister of Nagpur, who paid tribute to the young officer. He said Duragkar’s valour, dedication and patriotism would continue to inspire not only Nagpur but the entire nation.

Duragkar’s family recalled that he had also participated in Operation Sindoor , launched by India to strike terror bases in Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack last year.

As the bugle sounded and flames rose from the funeral pyre, Nagpur stood united in grief and pride, remembering a young officer who chose the skies to serve his country and paid the ultimate price in the line of duty .