When Will the Last Rites of Co-Pilot Rishiraj Be Held?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rishiraj Singh Devda was a promising young pilot in the Indian Air Force.
- His family is deeply affected by his sudden loss.
- The Jaguar fighter jet crash has prompted an official investigation.
- Rishiraj had dreams of serving his country and was well-regarded in his community.
- Full military honors will be given during his last rites.
Jaipur, July 10 (NationPress) The final rites for Flight Lieutenant Rishiraj Singh Devda (23), hailing from Pali, who tragically perished in the Indian Air Force's Jaguar fighter jet crash, are set to take place today. The remains of the young pilot will be transported back to his hometown, Khinwandi, located roughly 70 km from the Pali district center, where he will receive a tribute with full military honors.
His family is engulfed in profound grief and disbelief over the abrupt loss of their cherished son. They were actively seeking a suitable match for Rishiraj as they envisioned his marriage.
Rishiraj's father, Jaswant Singh, runs a hotel business, while his mother, Bhanwar Kanwar, is a homemaker. His younger brother, Yuvraj Singh, is currently in Class 12 at DPS, Jodhpur.
After undergoing a medical examination, Rishiraj's body was dispatched from Jodhpur at around 11 a.m. It will reach Khinwandi via Jodhpur, Rohat, Pali, and Sumerpur. Relatives and villagers have begun to gather, eagerly awaiting his final return.
The Jaguar fighter jet met with a tragic accident in the Rajaldesar area of Churu on July 9 at about 12:40 p.m., resulting in the deaths of both the pilot, Wing Commander Lokendra Singh Sindhu (44) from Rohtak, Haryana, and co-pilot Flight Lieutenant Rishiraj Singh Devda.
The wreckage from the crash was scattered over a vast area.
The Indian Air Force has initiated a Court of Inquiry to investigate the cause of this tragic incident.
Pratap Singh Bithiya, President of the Pali Dairy Federation, noted that Rishiraj was not only academically accomplished but also had a fervent desire to serve in the armed forces.
After completing his Class 12 in Jodhpur, Rishiraj joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, where he underwent a rigorous 3.5-year training program before joining the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot.
The two-seater Jaguar jet had taken off from Suratgarh Airbase in Sri Ganganagar district for a training mission.
The site of the crash, Rajaldesar in Churu, is about 160 km from the airbase.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by seeing the aircraft lose control and crash into a field, breaking apart upon impact and igniting a fire that left a significant crater. Nearby trees were also scorched.
Authorities were promptly notified, and an investigation is currently underway. Further details will be disclosed upon the conclusion of the inquiry.