Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol has confirmed that sabotage is among the possibilities being investigated in the Air India flight AI 171 crash, which claimed 274 lives earlier this month. Speaking at the Pune chapter of the Emerging Business Conclave, the minister stated that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting a full-scale probe into the incident, considering every potential cause.

The Air India Dreamliner Boeing 787-8, bound for London, crashed on June 12 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft lost altitude and crashed into the staff housing complex of BJ Medical College, triggering a massive fire. Only one person from the 242 passengers and crew survived. Nine individuals on the ground also lost their lives.

“The AAIB is examining all angles, including possible sabotage. The CCTV footage is being scrutinized, and multiple agencies are involved in the process,” said Mr Mohol during his conversation with NDTV. He emphasized the need for a thorough and independent investigation, calling the crash an extremely rare occurrence.

Mr Mohol addressed concerns over the handling of the aircraft’s black box, confirming it remains securely in AAIB custody and will not be sent abroad for analysis. The black box, which includes both the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), is critical to understanding what went wrong during the final moments of the flight.

According to officials, the pilot had issued a Mayday distress signal moments after takeoff, indicating a full-scale emergency. There is growing speculation that a dual engine failure may have caused the crash, a scenario aviation experts consider exceptionally rare.

“The investigation will reveal whether it was due to an engine issue, a fuel problem, or something else. It is premature to make conclusions, but the CVR will offer clarity,” the minister said, adding that the final investigation report is expected within three months.

Responding to safety concerns among passengers following the crash, Mr Mohol assured that all 33 Dreamliner aircraft in Air India’s fleet have undergone thorough inspections on orders from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), with no issues detected.

In addition to addressing the crash, Mr Mohol also discussed broader aviation issues, including over 400 technical vacancies in the DGCA, concerns around pilot working hours, and the need to make air travel more affordable. He noted that the ministry is expanding low-cost food options at airports through Udaan Yatri Cafes, offering essentials like tea and snacks at affordable prices.

The tragic crash has intensified calls for stronger aviation oversight and greater transparency in accident investigations, as authorities work to determine the true cause behind one of India’s deadliest air disasters.

The Indonesian Air Force recently organized two in-depth seminars at its Air Force University, focusing on the May 2025 India-Pakistan aerial conflict and its strategic implications. Titled “International Seminar: Analysis of the Pakistan–India Air Battle and Indonesia’s Anticipatory Strategies from the Perspective of Air Power,” the sessions offered detailed insights into the short yet impactful air war that erupted between the two nations earlier this year.

Also Read: Pakistani Defence Attaché Walks Out of Indonesian Air Force Seminar Over Presentation on Airbase Damage

The seminars examined operational details and strategic lessons from the conflict. Presenters outlined the extent of damage sustained by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), supported by slides and analysis. According to the data presented, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully targeted and destroyed six Pakistani fighter jets, two Saab-2000 Erieye airborne warning aircraft, and one C-130 transport aircraft. Additional damage to key airbases was also highlighted, reinforcing the view that India gained the upper hand in the aerial domain.

Official Indian representation at the seminar was provided by Captain Shiv Kumar, Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Jakarta. He participated in discussions on air power and defense strategy, offering India’s perspective on the conflict. The Pakistani Defence Attaché, however, declined to participate, objecting to the inclusion of satellite imagery showing damage to Pakistani military installations in the event’s official brochure and presentation materials.

The decision to study the India-Pakistan air battle in an academic and defense setting reflects Indonesia’s growing interest in air power trends and its own need for anticipatory strategies. The focus extended beyond South Asia, touching on the importance of early warning systems and the evolving role of drones, surveillance platforms, and regional partnerships.

The outcome of the seminar indicated a shift in the perceived balance of air power in South Asia, particularly with the reported loss of Pakistan’s airborne early warning assets. These losses were seen as weakening the country’s real-time situational awareness and broader air defense capabilities. Analysts at the event discussed the implications of such setbacks for Pakistan and the need for enhanced resilience in future aerial engagements.

The Indonesian initiative also prompted wider discussion on the difficulty of maintaining neutrality in international defense forums, especially when operational data from ongoing or recent conflicts is involved. Still, the sessions were noted for their analytical depth and relevance to air force modernization efforts across Southeast Asia.

As air power continues to play a central role in regional security, the Indonesian Air Force’s engagement with this topic signals an intention to remain informed and prepared amid a changing geopolitical environment.

The Uttar Pradesh Police have launched an investigation into a serious allegation involving a police sub-inspector allegedly assaulting a serving Indian Army officer in Lucknow. The incident, which reportedly took place on June 22 near the PGI police station area, has sparked concern and condemnation from Army authorities.

According to the complaint filed by Lieutenant Colonel Anand Prakash Suman—currently posted at the NCC Directorate Bihar & Jharkhand in Patna—the altercation occurred at the Telibagh intersection. The officer alleged that a policeman, driving on the wrong side of the road, began verbally abusing him. When Lt Col Suman rolled down his car window, the officer claims the policeman slapped him without provocation.

An FIR was immediately registered under sections 281, 125, 115, and 352 of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita. CCTV footage from the area has also been examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

In a strong show of support, the Surya Command of the Indian Army issued a public statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, stressing that the misconduct was being taken “with utmost seriousness.” The statement confirmed that senior Army officials, including Major General Salil Seth, General Officer Commanding of the Madhya Uttar Pradesh Sub Area, along with the Station Commander, met with Lucknow Police Commissioner Amrendra K Sengar to ensure a fair and swift investigation.

“The Indian Army stands resolutely with its personnel and expects prompt and exemplary action,” the Surya Command stated.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Rishabh Runwal also confirmed that the case is being investigated on a priority basis. “All aspects of the incident are being looked into, and further action will be taken based on the investigation findings,” he told PTI.

The incident comes amid growing concerns over civil-military relations and has prompted calls for accountability and transparency in the conduct of law enforcement officials.

The trophy for the highly anticipated Operation Sindoor Cup was officially unveiled today in Kanpur, setting the stage for a symbolic cricket match between Army XI and Parliament XI scheduled for June 29 at the iconic Green Park Stadium. The event is being held to honor the Indian Armed Forces’ decisive victory in Operation Sindoor, a targeted military campaign against Pakistan-backed terror networks in May 2025.

The cricket match, held in the spirit of national pride and solidarity, aims to celebrate India’s military success and boost public morale in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Operation Sindoor, launched in response, saw precise air and ground strikes across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, dismantling major terror camps and eliminating over 100 militants affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

The specially designed trophy unveiled today is rich in symbolism. It features a cricket bat, a BrahMos missile, and a Rafale fighter jet—representing the synergy of sport, military precision, and national strength. The design reflects India’s multifaceted defense capabilities and its unifying national spirit.

Brigadier Samrul Hassan will lead the Army XI team, which includes serving army officers, police personnel, and members of the district administration. The Parliament XI will be captained by Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari and will feature a lineup of MPs and state legislators from across party lines.

The match is expected to draw large crowds and serve as a morale booster, fostering unity between the armed forces and the civilian leadership. Organizers say the event goes beyond sport—it’s a tribute to the courage of India’s security forces and a reminder of the nation’s resolve in the face of terrorism.

Security arrangements around Green Park Stadium have been intensified, and cultural programs are planned to accompany the event, making it a day of patriotic celebration and community engagement.