Search operations to locate the missing AN-32 aircraft are underway as the Indian Air Force (IAF) is coordinating with Indian Army, various government and civil agencies, Media Coordination Centre of the IAF has tweeted.

"Search operations will continue from air and by ground parties of Indian Army through the night", the tweet said further.

Earlier, media reports suggested having spotted the wreckage of AN-32 near Payam in Arunachal Pradesh. However, the IAF has denied those claims.



IAF is coordinating with Indian Army, various government and civil agencies to locate the missing aircraft. Search operations will continue from air and by ground parties of Indian Army through the night. 4/4

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 3, 2019

13 people – eight belonging to the crew and five passengers are believed to be on board the missing aircraft.

The aircraft had gone missing hours after it took off from Jorhat, Assam for Menchuka Advance Landing Ground in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Indian Air Force has confirmed in their tweet that the aircraft was airborne on June 3 at 12.25 pm. The aircraft was last in contact with the ground agencies at 1.00 pm. Since the aircraft did not reach the designated destination, overdue action was initiated by IAF.

The IAF has launched C-130J, AN-32 and Mi-17 and Indian Army ALH helicopter on a search mission to locate the missing AN-32 aircraft.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, taking cognizance of the incident, spoke to Air Marshal Rakesh Singh Bhadauria, and prayed for the safety of the crew and passengers on board the missing aircraft. He tweeted:



Spoke to Vice Chief of @IAF_MCC, Air Marshal Rakesh Singh Bhadauria regarding the missing IAF AN-32 Aircraft which is overdue for some hours. He has apprised me of the steps taken by the IAF to find the missing aircraft. I pray for the safety of all passengers on board. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 3, 2019

(This is a developing story. More details awaited)