IAF Squadron leader killed as MiG-21 fighter jet crashes in Punjab, inquiry ordered

New Delhi: An Indian Air Force MiG-21 fighter aircraft crashed on Friday (May 21) near Moga in Punjab late last night.

The aircraft was on a routine training sortie when the accident happened, according to IAF officials, news agency ANI reported.

The accident in the night involved a Bison aircraft of IAF in the western sector. The pilot, Squadron leader Abhinav Choudhary, sustained fatal injuries.

IAF condoled the tragic loss and said they stand firmly with the bereaved family.

A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident involving a Bison aircraft of IAF in the western sector.

Meanwhile, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) headed by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba on Thursday directed the central and state agencies to "expeditiously" restore the telecommunication, power, road and water supply links affected by Cyclone Tauktae.

A statement issued by the Union Home Ministry said the meeting, held to review the relief-and-rehabilitation efforts undertaken in the aftermath of the extremely severe cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea, also discussed the "efforts carried out by the navy and the coast guard, along with other agencies, to rescue persons on three barges and one offshore drilling vessel of ONGC.

According to official data, at least 53 people were killed in various parts of Gujarat due to the heavy rain and storm-like incidents that occurred during the cyclone fury.