Patna: The family of Indian Air Force pilot Shubham Kumar, who died in a plane crash in Assam’s Jorhat on June 13, has raised concerns over the handling of ex-gratia financial assistance and post-death rituals.
The incident has drawn attention to communication gaps between authorities and the bereaved family during the immediate aftermath of the crash.
Aircraft Crash in Jorhat
On June 13, an Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft reportedly crashed after veering off the runway during landing in Jorhat, Assam. The aircraft had taken off at 10:00 AM and attempted to return shortly after the pilot requested permission to land again, according to initial reports.
Apart from Shubham Kumar, Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveer Khemaram Kumawat and Danish Alam also died in the incident. One personnel sustained serious injuries after the aircraft caught fire, officials said.
Ex-Gratia Assistance Handed Over
Following the last rites performed at Vishnupad in Gaya on June 14, an ex-gratia cheque of Rs 21 lakh was handed over to Shubham Kumar’s wife, Shreya Rai, by officials through the Sainik Kalyan Board.
Circle Officer of Hulasganj, Sadab Alam, said Shreya was recorded as the legal spouse of the deceased and was therefore authorised to receive the financial assistance. He also stated that Shubham Kumar had reportedly submitted a court marriage certificate earlier, naming her as his dependent.
Family’s Concerns
Shubham Kumar’s father, Amarendra Sharma, has expressed distress over what he described as a lack of prior information to the family regarding the handover of the cheque.
He said the family was not aware of any court marriage and came to know about it only after the pilot’s death. He also said that preparations for a traditional wedding were underway earlier, with plans discussed for later this year.
Sharma further said the family is facing financial hardship and appealed to the government and Defence Ministry to ensure clarity in the process and support for the bereaved parents.
Marriage Claim and Post-Death Rituals
According to officials, Shubham Kumar had a court marriage in February and submitted documentation to his department. The family, however, maintains that they were not informed of any such legal marriage arrangement.
The Shraddh ceremony for the deceased pilot is yet to be performed and is expected to take place on June 25.
Awaiting Clarification
Shreya Rai’s version of events has not yet been formally presented. She had attended the last rites in Gaya before returning to Azamgarh with family members.
Authorities have not issued further clarification beyond the initial confirmation of the ex-gratia handover process.
