2 min readGuwahatiMar 6, 2026 09:53 AM ISTSqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar. (Source: X/@IAF_MCC)The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed on Friday that two of its personnel, Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, have lost their lives in the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI crash in Assam on Thursday evening.The aircraft, which was on a training mission, crashed around 60 km from Jorhat, from where it had taken off, in the hilly terrain of Karbi Anglong district. The Indian Air Force had stated that the aircraft had taken off from the air force station in Jorhat and lost contact at 7.42 pm on Thursday, following which a search and rescue mission was initiated.The district police said that locals in the Bokajan sub-division of Karbi Anglong heard the sound of a crash.IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD… pic.twitter.com/zUtfUJ2ewr— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 6, 2026“IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” the IAF said in a statement issued on Friday morning.Sukrita Baruah is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Guwahati. From this strategic hub, she provides comprehensive, ground-level coverage of India's North East, a region characterized by its complex ethnic diversity, geopolitical significance, and unique developmental challenges. Expertise and Experience Ethnic & Social Dynamics: Deep-dive coverage of regional conflicts (such as the crisis in Manipur) and peace-building efforts. Border & Geopolitics: Tracking developments along India’s international borders and their impact on local communities. Governance & Policy: Reporting on state elections, tribal council decisions, and the implementation of central schemes in the North East. Specialized Education Background: Prior to her current role, Sukrita was a dedicated Education Correspondent for The Indian Express in Delhi. This experience provided her with a sharp analytical lens for: Policy Analysis: Evaluating the National Education Policy (NEP) and university-level reforms. Student Affairs: Covering high-stakes stories regarding campus politics, national entrance exams, and the challenges within the primary and secondary education sectors. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...