Former IAF chief Polly Mehra dead

Air Chief Marshal S.K. (Polly) Mehra,the 16th Chief of Air Staff, passed away today due to a heart attack at his residence in Gurgaon. He was 71 years old.

Born on November 15, 1932, Mehra was an alumnus of Modern School and Delhi University. After joining the Indian Air Force in 1952, he served for 42 years retiring as the Chief of Air Staff in July 1991. Mehra also served as the AOC-in-C SWAC in 1987, before he became the Chief of Air Staff on August 1, 1988. Mehra is survived by wife Sunita and two sons.

Defence Minister George Fernandes expressed deep sorrow on his demise. In his condolence message, Fernandes described Mehra as a visionary who had contributed immensely to the modernisation of the IAF.