Nagpur, March 6, 2026 : A wave of grief swept through a family in Nagpur after Indian Air Force confirmed the death of Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar in the crash of a Sukhoi Su‑30MKI fighter jet during a training sortie in Karbi Anglong district.
Purvesh, 28, was among the two IAF pilots who lost their lives when the aircraft disappeared from radar shortly after taking off from Jorhat Air Force Station on Thursday. The IAF said the jet was on a routine training mission when the accident occurred.
The crash also claimed the life of Squadron Leader Anuj, who was flying alongside Duragkar in the aircraft.
At his residence in Nagpur’s New Subedar Layout, Purvesh’s father Ravindra Duragkar, a retired railway employee, struggled to come to terms with the tragedy. Surrounded by relatives and neighbours while IAF officials attempted to console the family, the grieving father recalled his last conversation with his son.
“We had spoken on Wednesday. Later his Group Captain contacted us and informed us about the accident,” Ravindra said, his voice breaking with emotion.
According to his father, Purvesh had recently taken part in Operation Sindoor, an operation launched by India to target terror bases in Pakistan following last year’s Pahalgam attack. Ravindra said his son was deeply committed to his duty and immensely proud of serving in the Air Force.
“He was extremely proud to be part of the Indian Air Force. Sometimes he would tell us about flying fighter jets and the incredible speeds they achieve,” he said.
Purvesh was originally posted at Tezpur, but was temporarily operating from Jorhat as work was underway on the Tezpur airbase runway.
Neighbours recalled that just ten days ago, the young officer had visited Nagpur along with his sister—an IIT graduate now settled in the United States—for a family get-together. The gathering has now become one of the last cherished memories for the family.
Purvesh, who completed his schooling in Nagpur, was unmarried and is survived by his parents and sister. His body is expected to be brought to Nagpur later in the day for final rites.
The tragic accident has once again highlighted the risks faced by fighter pilots who serve on the frontlines and in demanding operational environments while safeguarding the nation.
