The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the tragic crash of a MIG-21 aircraft of the Indian Air Force in Jammu and Kashmir today (May 27, 2014).

In a condolence message to Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Rah the, President has said, "I am saddened to learn about the tragic crash a MIG-21 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force in Bijbehara area of Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir today, in which the pilot Squadron Leader Raghu Bansi lost his life and the co-pilot suffered serious injuries.

I am sure that all necessary help and assistance is being provided to the next of kin of the deceased pilot and medical aid is also being provided to the injured co-pilot.

Kindly convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family, friends and colleagues. I pray for peace of the departed soul and speedy recovery of the injured co-pilot”.