Phase out old warplanes, says fighter pilot's brother; no MP, MLA at funeral

ROHTAK: Thousands turned up in Rohtak on Thursday to join the last march of Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu , who perished in a Jaguar crash along with Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh in Rajasthan Wednesday.

The two fighter pilots had steered the jet away from a village, staying with it till the last moment despite knowing they wouldn't have time to eject and save their lives.

Sqn Ldr Sindhu's brother Gyanender said the family gave him a final salute with a smile, as he died in pursuit of a bigger cause for the country. "I am proud of my brother and the military but there is a need to replace old warplanes with new ones," he told reporters.

Just one month after becoming a father, Sqn Ldr Sindhu made the supreme sacrifice. The family learnt about the tragic accident from the media and then cross-checked with IAF, Gyanender said.

The IAF officer was cremated with full military honours Thursday evening.

No minister, MP, MLA or any senior functionary of the ruling BJP turned up.