Rohtak: Thousands of mourners gathered in Rohtak district on Saturday as Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht, who was killed in a Sukhoi SU-30MKI fighter aircraft crash in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, was laid to rest with full military and state honours at his native village of Kakrana.Wrapped in the Tricolour, the mortal remains of the decorated officer were brought to the village earlier in the day, drawing an overwhelming crowd of villagers, relatives and dignitaries who assembled to pay their final respects. The sombre atmosphere was punctuated by chants of “Shaheed Anuj Vashisht Amar Rahein” as people bid a tearful farewell to the young officer.
The last rites were performed by his younger brother Manuj, while an Indian Air Force contingent accorded him a ceremonial Guard of Honour. Among those present at the funeral were Haryana’s cooperation minister Dr Arvind Kumar Sharma, Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda, and Kalanaur MLA Shakuntala Khatak, who paid floral tributes and expressed condolences.MP Deepender Hooda also paid homage, describing the officer as a brave and committed serviceman. “The country has lost a courageous son. His dedication to duty and sacrifice will always be remembered with pride,” he said.Born on Aug 9, 1993, in Kakrana village, Anuj Vashisht moved with his family to Gurugram at age seven, where he completed his schooling. Known for academic excellence and discipline from an early age, he realised his dream of serving the nation when he was selected for the Indian Air Force in 2015.After completing his training, he returned to his village in 2016, where residents accorded him a warm and celebratory welcome — a moment that remains etched in the memories of many villagers. Anuj hailed from a family with strong ties to the Armed Forces. His father, Anand Kumar, is a retired Subedar of the Army.He is survived by his younger brother Manuj, an engineering graduate who works in England and returned to India after receiving news of the tragedy. Family members revealed that Anuj’s marriage had recently been arranged and preparations for the engagement and wedding were underway. The woman he was set to marry is also a pilot in the Indian Air Force, making the loss even more poignant for the family.On Saturday, as Kakrana village bid farewell to its brave son, grief mingled with pride. For the villagers, Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht will remain a symbol of courage, duty and sacrifice — a hero whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
