Gurugram pilot killed in Assam crash was soon to get married

Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht, a resident of Gurugram, was one of two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots who lost their lives after a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet crashed during a routine training sortie from the Tezpur air force station in Assam. The news has left the millennium city in mourning, and Sector 22, where his family resides, is gripped with gloom. As the news spread, people gathered at his home to pay their respects to the brave officer who laid down his life in the line of duty.

The loss has been particularly heartbreaking for the Vashisht family, as preparations were underway for Anuj’s wedding later this year. The household had been filled with excitement and celebrations, with relatives discussing guest lists and wedding arrangements. What was meant to be a joyful time for the family has now turned into a moment of unimaginable grief.

“His father was in the police and served the country. He was very proud of Anuj’s career choice. The family had fixed the wedding and preparations were on in full swing. This accident has shattered them, and they are not in a state to say anything,” said one of Anuj’s uncles.

According to preliminary information, the Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft took off from the Tezpur air force station around 10.30 am as part of a routine training mission. However, approximately half an hour after take-off, the aircraft lost contact with radar systems. A large search operation was immediately launched. After several hours of intensive efforts, wreckage of the aircraft was located in a dense forest nearly 60 km from Tezpur. Officials later confirmed that both pilots were unable to eject safely from the aircraft and were killed in the crash while on duty.