Churu: The Indian Air Force has confirmed the identities of the two pilots who tragically lost their lives in the Jaguar trainer aircraft crash that occurred on July 9 near Bhanoda village in Churu district of Rajasthan. The deceased have been identified as Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu, aged 31, from Rohtak, Haryana, and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh, aged 23, from Pali, Rajasthan.
The fatal crash took place during a routine training mission when the twin-seater Jaguar jet went down in a rural area of Churu. This marks the third crash involving an IAF aircraft since March, raising renewed concerns over flight safety and equipment reliability.
In an official statement, the Indian Air Force said, “An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed near Churu in Rajasthan, today. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident. No damage to any civil property has been reported. IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief. A court of inquiry has been constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident.”
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a horrifying moment of impact. A local resident, Rajdeep, who witnessed the crash shared, “Parts of the pilot’s body were found scattered…One diary of the IAF was also found, and we handed it over to the SHO…Pilot tried his best to protect the village, I can say it for sure (avoid a crash there).”
Though Rajdeep did not specify which pilot he was referring to, his statement reflected the pilots’ reported effort to steer the aircraft away from populated areas. The crash caused no civilian injuries or property damage, a detail the IAF emphasized in its communication. Authorities quickly secured the area, and recovery teams began retrieving debris and documenting the scene.
The court of inquiry formed by the IAF will now investigate the circumstances leading to the crash. Given that this is the third such incident in four months, the findings will likely be scrutinized closely, both within the defense establishment and by the public. The Air Force has reiterated its support for the families of the fallen officers and expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
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