ROHTAK: Thousands gathered in Rohtak on Thursday to bid a heartfelt farewell to Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu, who lost his life alongside Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh in a Jaguar fighter jet crash in Rajasthan on Wednesday.
The two Indian Air Force pilots were hailed for their bravery, steering the malfunctioning aircraft away from a nearby village—fully aware they would not have enough time to eject and save themselves.
Sqn Ldr Sindhu’s brother, Gyanender, expressed both pride and concern. “We saluted him with a smile because he died for a greater cause,” he said. “But it’s time the government replaces outdated fighter jets with modern aircraft to prevent such tragedies.”
Just a month after becoming a father, Sindhu made the ultimate sacrifice. The family first learned about the crash through media reports, later confirming it with the Indian Air Force, Gyanender added.
The fallen officer was cremated with full military honours on Thursday evening. However, not a single minister, MP, MLA, or senior leader from the ruling BJP was present at the funeral—a fact that drew quiet criticism from attendees and the grieving family.
