New Delhi | July 21, 2025 — Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu addressed the Rajya Sabha on Monday, offering a detailed update on the ongoing investigation into the tragic Air India crash near Ahmedabad on July 12, which claimed the lives of 241 passengers and caused additional fatalities on the ground.
In a firm statement, Naidu defended the integrity of the investigative process, led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and criticized certain sections of the Western media for publishing speculative and unverified claims that placed blame on the pilots prematurely.
Investigation Adhering to International Standards
Responding to several questions raised by Members of Parliament, Naidu emphasized that the AAIB’s investigation is being conducted "in accordance with international aviation norms" and with complete transparency.
“The preliminary report cannot answer all questions,” he stated. “AAIB has only detailed what occurred. For definitive conclusions, we must await the final report.”
Naidu also highlighted a major milestone in India’s aviation capabilities—for the first time, the aircraft’s black box was decoded domestically. This step, he said, underscores India's growing self-reliance in aviation accident analysis. “India took a stand that the entire decoding process would be done within the country,” he noted, adding that both domestic and international subject experts are involved in the technical analysis.
Criticism of Western Media Coverage
Taking strong exception to media reports published overseas, Naidu warned against sensationalism and premature conclusions.
“Some Western media outlets are trying to spin their own narrative,” he said. “We must stand by facts, not speculation. Let the investigation conclude based on evidence.”
His remarks came in response to reports by Reuters and the Wall Street Journal, which claimed—citing unnamed sources—that cockpit recordings suggested the aircraft’s captain deliberately shut off the fuel switches prior to the crash. Naidu reiterated that the AAIB’s preliminary report does not assign blame, and no official findings have confirmed these claims.
Strengthening Aviation Safety
The minister also announced that the government has constituted a high-level safety review committee, chaired by the Union Home Secretary, to reassess and enhance India's aviation safety framework.
“We already have a robust safety mechanism,” Naidu said. “But we are now adopting a holistic approach and benchmarking against international best practices. The committee’s report will be submitted within three months.”
Parliamentary Scrutiny
At least 22 Members of Parliament had formally questioned the government over various aspects of the crash investigation, including black box handling, potential safety lapses, and the possibility of tampering. Naidu assured the House that all concerns will be addressed, and the government remains committed to transparency, accountability, and improved safety standards.
Preliminary Findings at a Glance
According to the AAIB’s initial report, both fuel control switches on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner moved to the “Cutoff” position shortly after takeoff. One pilot reportedly asked why the fuel was cut, to which the other responded that he had not initiated the action. The report does not clarify who toggled the switches or assign responsibility.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives and awaits clarity, Naidu urged the public and the media to allow the investigation to proceed without bias or external pressure, stating, “Subject experts — Indian and international — are handling the process. Let the truth emerge through facts, not speculation.”
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