No trace of missing AN-32 on Day 4

New Delhi: There was no trace of IAF’s missing AN-32 plane as country’s largest-ever search operation over the sea entered its fourth day on Monday. Satellite imagery hinted at floating debris, but nothing linked to the plane was found. The plane carrying 29 people went off radar at 9.12 am on July 22 when it was flying 270 km east of Chennai over the Bay of Bengal. Indian Space Research Organisation’s mission control centre, responsible for satellite-aided search and rescue, is supplementing the operation. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said: “It is very unfortunate that we have not been able to trace the missing aircraft and the personnel on board. It is a difficult moment for all of us and we share the concerns of the distraught family members”. A thorough probe would be conducted to ascertain the reason behind its disappearance, he said. IAF authorities are in touch with families of the missing personnel. A formal complaint of the missing aircraft has been lodged with the Selaiyur police station in Chennai by the IAF authorities. TNS