IAF pilot part of Operation Sindoor among 2 killed in Assam Sukhoi crash

Two IAF pilots, Squadron Leader Anuj Vashishth and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, were killed when their Su-30MKI jet crashed in Assam's Karbi Anglong district during a training sortie. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat airbase and lost contact shortly after. Duragkar was known for his participation in Operation Sindoor last year.

6 Mar, 22:05 — 6 Mar, 23:59

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Why this matters

Military aircraft crashes, especially involving advanced fighter jets like the Sukhoi-30MKI, are significant events that raise concerns about pilot safety, aircraft maintenance, and operational protocols. Such incidents often lead to investigations to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences, impacting national defense capabilities and public confidence.

Key entitiesIndian Air Force (IAF)Sukhoi-30MKI Karbi Anglong district Squadron Leader Anuj Vashishth Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar Operation Sindoor

The Story

What 2 sources agree on, dispute, and miss

What sources agree on

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi-30MKI jet crashed in Assam's Karbi Anglong district.
Two pilots were killed in the crash.
The crash occurred during a training sortie.

Key claims2 agreed · 2 unverified

✓

Two IAF pilots were killed in the Sukhoi-30MKI crash.

agreed·hindustan-timesTimes of India

✓

The crash occurred in Assam's Karbi Anglong district.

agreed·hindustan-timesTimes of India

The deceased pilots were Squadron Leader Anuj Vashishth and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar.

unverified·Times of India

One of the deceased pilots was part of 'Operation Sindoor'.

unverified·Times of India

Coverage gaps

The names of the two deceased pilots, Squadron Leader Anuj Vashishth and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, and that one pilot was part of 'Operation Sindoor'.

ReportedTimes of India

Missinghindustan-times

The Story

Analyzing sources…

Source Diversity

Low (19/100)

2 sources— more sources would strengthen this score15/33

Spectrum spread— 1/5 buckets covered0/33

Far L

Left

Center

Right2

Right (2)

hindustan-timesTimes of India

Far R

Geographic diversity— 1 region4/34

India2

ℹAll sources from India region

ℹOnly 2 sources cover this story

Sources

Showing 2 of 2 sources

Times of IndiaMostly Factual45d ago

IAF pilot part of Operation Sindoor among 2 killed in Assam Sukhoi crash

By NIKHIL SHARMA, PRABIN KALITA, SHISHIR ARYA

Read full article →

hindustan-timesMostly Factual45d ago

Sukhoi-30 wreckage found in Assam, both pilots dead as jet crashes Karbi Anglong

Shortly after the aircraft was reported missing, teams from the IAF and other security agencies launched a search and rescue operation.

Read full article →

Coverage Timeline

First report: Times of India · 6 Mar, 22:05|Full coverage: 2 · 2h|Window: 2h

Left-leaningCenterRight-leaning

Times of India6 Mar, 22:05First to report

IAF pilot part of Operation Sindoor among 2 killed in Assam Sukhoi crash

2h later

hindustan-times6 Mar, 23:59Latest update

Sukhoi-30 wreckage found in Assam, both pilots dead as jet crashes Karbi Anglong

Story evolution

The initial narrative focused on the missing aircraft and search efforts, shifting to confirmation of the crash and fatalities, and later to the identification of the pilots and specific details about their service.

Initial Report & SearchBefore 2026-03-06T23:59:13.000Z

The aircraft was reported missing, prompting search and rescue operations by the IAF and other security agencies.

Wreckage Found & Fatalities Confirmed2026-03-06T23:59:13.000Z

Wreckage of the Sukhoi-30 was found in Assam, confirming the crash and the deaths of both pilots.

Pilot Identification & Details2026-03-06T22:05:07.000Z

The deceased pilots were identified, and additional details, such as one pilot's involvement in 'Operation Sindoor', emerged.

PERSPECTA

PERSPECTA

IAF pilot part of Operation Sindoor among 2 killed in Assam Sukhoi crash

Why this matters

The Story

What sources agree on

Key claims2 agreed · 2 unverified

Coverage gaps

The Story

Source Diversity

Source Diversity

Sources

IAF pilot part of Operation Sindoor among 2 killed in Assam Sukhoi crash

Sukhoi-30 wreckage found in Assam, both pilots dead as jet crashes Karbi Anglong

Coverage Timeline

IAF pilot part of Operation Sindoor among 2 killed in Assam Sukhoi crash

Sukhoi-30 wreckage found in Assam, both pilots dead as jet crashes Karbi Anglong

Story evolution

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PERSPECTA

Why this matters

Story evolution

The Story

What sources agree on

Key claims2 agreed · 2 unverified

Coverage gaps

Coverage matrix