Kin suspect foul play in IAF pilot’s death

Tribune News Service

Mandi, September 18

An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot, Kartik, of Lahla village under Ladbhadol tehsil in Mandi district, who died in Kolkata during his training three days ago, was cremated at his native village with state honours on Tuesday.

Mandi MP Ramswaroop Sharma, Joginernagar MLA Prakash Rana, Baijnath MLA Mulkh Raj Premi, the SDM, Jogindernagar, officials of Indian Air Force and relatives were present at the cremation ground to bid adieu to the pilot.

Family members and relatives of the deceased pilot were in a state of shock.  Some reports said he died of drowning. The family has urged the state government to take up the matter with Defence Ministry and initiate a high-level inquiry to find out the actual cause of the death as they are suspecting a foul play behind his death.

His father Parvinder Thakur is sub-inspector in the BSF, while mother Lata Thakur is a housewife.

The 24-year-old Kartik was selected in the Indian Air Force three year ago after clearing the Combined Defense Services (CDS) exam. These days he was under training. He was posted at Hyderabad and six month ago he had visited his home at Lahla.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has expressed grief over the death of Kartik.

He expressed his deep condolences with the bereaved family  and prayed for the peace of the departed soul.