Air warrior who escaped from Pak captivity in 1971 war dies

Indian Air Force veteran Gp Capt DK Parulkar (retd), who led a daring escape from captivity in Pakistan during the 1971 war, has passed away, the IAF said on Sunday. He died near Pune, Maharashtra, according to a senior official.

“Gp Capt DK Parulkar (Retd) VM, VSM — a 1971 War hero, who led a daring escape from captivity in Pakistan, embodying unmatched courage, ingenuity & pride in the IAF — has left for his heavenly abode. All Air Warriors of the IAF express their heartfelt condolences,” the IAF posted on X.

It also shared an old excerpt from a gallantry award citation on him. “My father passed away at the age of 82 due to cardiac arrest in the morning at our residence in Pune,” Parulkar’s son Aditya Parulkar said. He is survived by his wife and two sons. Parulkar was cremated in Pune. Parulkar was commissioned in the IAF in March 1963. In past, he held various appointments, including as a Flying Instructor at the Air Force Academy, according to the excerpt.