National
Assam Congress Chief Calls for Inquiry After IAF Tragedy
Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi has sought a comprehensive inquiry into the AN-32 aircraft crash in Jorhat that claimed the lives of five Indian Air Force personnel. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and urged authorities to identify the root cause of the tragedy to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi on Saturday called for a proper and comprehensive inquiry into the crash of the Indian Air Force’s AN-32 transport aircraft in Assam’s Jorhat district, which resulted in the deaths of five Air Force personnel.
Expressing grief over the tragedy, Gogoi conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased personnel and offered prayers for the departed souls.
In a post on social media, the Congress leader stressed the need to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fatal accident.
“I urge the government and the Defence Ministry to conduct a proper inquiry into the mishap and identify the primary cause so that measures are taken to prevent such accidents in the future,” Gogoi said.
The accident occurred on Saturday morning when the Russian-origin AN-32 transport aircraft met with a mishap during a routine sortie in Jorhat. The Indian Air Force (IAF) later confirmed that all five personnel onboard lost their lives in the crash.
The IAF has already announced the constitution of a court of inquiry to investigate the incident and ascertain the factors responsible for the accident.
The inquiry is expected to examine all aspects of the mishap, including technical performance, maintenance records, operational procedures, weather conditions, and any other contributing factors.
Gogoi’s appeal reflects growing calls for a detailed investigation to enhance aviation safety standards and minimise the risk of similar incidents in the future.
The AN-32, a twin-engine tactical transport aircraft, has been an integral part of the Indian Air Force’s logistics and operational fleet for decades, supporting troop movement, supply missions, humanitarian assistance, and operations in challenging terrains.
The deaths of the five air warriors have triggered an outpouring of condolences from political leaders, defence personnel, and citizens across the country, who have paid tribute to their service and sacrifice.
As the nation mourns the loss, attention now turns to the findings of the court of inquiry, which will be crucial in identifying the root cause of the crash and recommending measures to strengthen operational safety.
