Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu, one of the two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots who lost their lives in the tragic Jaguar fighter jet crash in Rajasthan’s Churu, had just become a father a month ago. He had returned to duty on June 30, less than three weeks after the birth of his son.

The 32-year-old pilot hailed from Kheri Sadh village in Haryana’s Rohtak district. His wife, Dr. Surbhi Sindhu, gave birth to their baby boy on June 10 at her parental home in Hisar. She was still there when the devastating news of her husband’s death reached her.

According to his family, Squadron Leader Sindhu resumed duty barely ten days before the fatal crash. His father, Joginder Singh, retired last year as superintendent from Maharshi Dayanand University, while his mother is a school teacher. His elder brother works in a multinational company.

The Air Force was a proud tradition in Sindhu’s family. His sister, Anshi, recently completed her short service commission in the IAF, and her husband is currently serving as a Wing Commander.

The loss has left the community and armed forces fraternity in mourning, with tributes pouring in for a life of service cut tragically short just as a new chapter of fatherhood had begun.