The Indian Air Force has filed a formal complaint with the Tamil Nadu police in connection with the AN-32 transport aircraft that went missing on Friday, July 22. The complaint was filed with Selaiyur police on Saturday night, a senior police officer said, as search and rescue operations entered its third day. The complaint was lodged for legal reasons, PTI reported.

Chief of the Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral HCS Bisht on Sunday said they were "augmenting their search efforts" by deploying more number of ships, aircraft, helicopters and coast guard vessels. The depth of the sea at certain points, however, was a major hindrance in their operations, beside rough waters and monsoon conditions, he added. "The depth is 3,500 m. As the depth increases, challenges become much more severe," the vice admiral said, adding that fixed-wing aircraft were carrying out regular aerial surveillance, ANI reported.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar reached Chennai on Saturday, July 23, to oversee the search and rescue operations for the IAF flight, which went missing en route to Port Blair from Tambaram, Chennai, with 29 people on board. It was due to land around 11.30 am on Friday, July 22, and has been missing for well over 48 hours now. Parrikar conducted an aerial survey, as well. Resources from the air force, Coast Guard and Indian Navy have been deployed to assist with the operations.