"Hercules, something has hit my plane, possibility of missile hit cannot be ruled out, I am ejecting over...(location).".
-Last Radio call of Sq Leader Ajay Ahuja

27th May Martyrdom day of Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, Vir Chakra (P)

Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja of the Indian Air Force sacrificed his life in action on 27 May 99 while on a combat mission launched during the operations being conducted over the Indian side of the line of control in Kashmir when his aircraft was hit by a shoulder-fired ‘Stinger’ Surface to Air Missile (SAM).

The officer made the supreme sacrifice for his country while remaining over enemy positions to help rescue attempts to locate a downed pilot, knowing fully well the existence of enemy SAMs in the area. This extremely courageous act involving immense risk to his life exemplifies the daring qualities of Indian fighter pilots engaged in the present operations. Tragically, he paid the price for his bravery when his MiG-21MF fighter, C-1539 was hit by a SAM. Though the officer ejected safely, but, as was confirmed by the post-mortem report,

According to the data released by the IAF, Ahuja's aircraft had been within the Indian side of the Line of Control, a ceasefire line and pseudo-border agreed upon by India and Pakistan in the early 1970s to maintain status quo in Kashmir. A post-mortem examination conducted at the Srinagar Base Hospital claimed that Ahuja had landed safely after ejecting from his plane, but had been killed later by Pakistani soldiers.

The post-mortem report of Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja spoke of three grievous wounds:

1. There is a penetrating gunshot wound; entry near right ear, exit near the external orifice of left ear.

2. Gunshot wound: entry 2 cm medial to right nipple, exit near left iliac crest damaging internal viscera like liver, intestine and peritonium.

3. Compound comminuted fracture left knee.

4. Suffered multiple punctured wounds over left and right thighs, rupture of right lung, injury to neck vessels, small intestine and left liver.

It was reported that the left knee fracture was sustained when he parachuted down, but the gunshots show that he landed alive and was shot.

he was murdered in cold blood on the ground. We salute this brave officer for his gallantry and draw heart from his dedication and bravery.
Respect!!
Jai Hind