Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has unequivocally dismissed allegations of misconduct in the investigation of the Air India AI-171 crash, which resulted in 260 fatalities on June 12, 2025. Addressing concerns raised by the public and the Federation of Indian Pilots, Minister Naidu emphasized that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting a "clean and thorough" inquiry, adhering strictly to established protocols. He assured that the investigation remains transparent, independent, and free from external influence.
Minister's Reassurance on Investigation Integrity
During a public event in New Delhi on October 7, 2025, Minister Naidu responded to inquiries regarding the ongoing investigation into the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171. He stated, "There is no manipulation or dirty business happening in the investigation. It is a very clean and very thorough process that we are doing according to the rules." His comments were made in the context of public concerns about the transparency and objectivity of the probe.
Background of the Crash and Preliminary Findings
The AI-171 crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, resulting in the deaths of 241 individuals on board and 19 on the ground. Preliminary reports from the AAIB indicated that the aircraft's engine fuel control switches were inadvertently moved from the "RUN" to "CUTOFF" position, leading to engine power loss. This finding has been a focal point of public and media scrutiny.
Family's Concerns and AAIB's Response
The father of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, one of the pilots aboard the ill-fated flight, expressed concerns over the investigation's conduct. He alleged that AAIB officials visited his home under the guise of offering condolences and implied that his son had intentionally manipulated the fuel control switches. In response, the AAIB clarified that only authorized personnel are involved in the investigation, adhering to government norms, and emphasized the need for a thorough and unbiased inquiry.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Reporting
Minister Naidu acknowledged the gravity of the incident and the public's demand for accountability. He reiterated that the final AAIB report will be comprehensive and based solely on factual analysis. The minister urged the public to await the completion of the investigation, assuring that the government is committed to uncovering the truth and implementing necessary measures to prevent future occurrences.
Conclusion
As the investigation into the Air India AI-171 crash continues, Minister Naidu's statements aim to reassure the public of the government's commitment to transparency and accountability. While the final report is pending, the emphasis remains on conducting a meticulous and impartial inquiry to honor the lives lost and uphold the integrity of India's aviation safety standards.
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