Missing An-32: Defence minister meets flight lieutenant's kin

Mumbai: Over a week after aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) An–32 disappeared, Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar on Saturday paid a visit to the family of flight lieutenant Kunal Barpatte, who was navigating the transport plane when it went missing, in Pune city of Maharashtra.

Expressing his shock and sympathy, the minister reassured the family that the situation was being personally monitored by him.

“I feel disquieted. It was one of the IAF’s brawniest and safest air-planes. How could it crash? Moreover, I am personally monitoring the situation and trying my best to overcome it,” said the minister while interacting with Rajendra, lieutenant Kunal’s father.

Other highlights:

• Parrikar said he had ordered the IAF officials to remain in touch with kin of the ill-fated plane’s crew and keep them updated on the search operation.
• Earlier, the kin had complained that they did not receive any information about the missing aircraft despite their repeated bids.

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