Jaipur, June 13 (IANS) The 22-year-old Air Force Agniveer Khemaram Kumawat, from Panchota village in Rajasthan’s Didwana-Kuchaman district, was among the five personnel killed when an Indian Air Force AN-32 transport aircraft crashed on Saturday while attempting to land at the Rowriah Air Force Station in Assam’s Jorhat district.

Khemaram, who had joined the Indian Air Force under the Agnipath scheme in December 2022, was nearing the completion of his tenure.

According to family members, discussions regarding his marriage had recently begun. The crash occurred around 10 a.m. during landing on Saturday.

The aircraft caught fire after impact and reportedly broke into two parts.

Apart from Khemaram, those killed in the accident were Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma and Agniveer Vayu Danish Alam. A co-pilot sustained injuries.

The news of Khemaram’s death plunged the Panchota village and the surrounding region into mourning.

Khemaram belonged to a family with a strong tradition of public service. His father is a farmer, while his elder brother Rajendra Kumar works as a civil engineer. Two of his brothers are serving in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Govindram Kumawat is posted at the Chennai Airport, while Manoj Kumawat serves as a Head Constable in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj.

He is also survived by a younger sister who is preparing for competitive examinations. His cousin Mahesh Kumawat said the family was looking forward to settling his marriage after the completion of his Agniveer tenure.

“Wedding discussions had already begun at home. We never imagined such heartbreaking news would arrive instead,” he said.

District Sainik Welfare Officer Colonel Rajendra Singh said Khemaram’s mortal remains are expected to arrive in Nawa on Sunday. From there, a Tiranga Yatra will accompany the body to Panchota village, where the final rites will be performed with full military honours.

Family members remain in touch with Air Force authorities as arrangements are being made for the transportation of the mortal remains of the fallen Indian Air Force officer.

According to preliminary information, the AN-32 transport aircraft was attempting to land at the Rowriah airbase when the accident occurred.

The Indian Air Force said the aircraft was on a routine flight and urged people not to speculate on the cause of the crash until official findings are available.

A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the circumstances leading to the accident.

The AN-32 has been one of the Indian Air Force’s primary transport aircraft for decades, used extensively for troop movement and logistics operations in difficult terrain.

Reports indicate that the Air Force is in the process of replacing its ageing AN-32 and IL-76 fleet with new Medium Transport Aircraft to meet future operational requirements.

For Panchota village, however, those discussions are far away.

The village is preparing to bid farewell to a young air warrior whose dreams of a military career and a life beyond it were cut short in the line of duty.

–IANS

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