In a somber continuation of the investigation into the devastating Air India crash that took place near Ahmedabad Airport, authorities are now exploring the chilling possibility of sabotage as a factor contributing to the tragedy. This catastrophic incident, which occurred on June 12, resulted in the loss of 260 lives, with only one person on board surviving. Among the deceased were 52 British nationals, highlighting the international implications of this disaster. Additionally, the crash claimed the lives of 19 individuals on the ground, underscoring the broader impact of the event.

The Indian government has disclosed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is pursuing a comprehensive investigation into the crash, with Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, stating, “The AAIB has begun a full investigation. It is being probed from all angles, including any possible sabotage.” This statement marks a pivotal point in the investigation, as it is the first time officials have officially acknowledged sabotage as a potential cause, moving beyond earlier speculations.

The incident involved a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which tragically lost power in both engines shortly after takeoff—an occurrence that aviation experts have described as a 'one in a billion event.' The flight managed to ascend to a mere 625 feet before the disaster struck just 33 seconds after takeoff. Frantic communications from the flight's captain, Sumeet Sabharwal, who is 55 years old, were relayed to air traffic control, where he desperately signaled: “No thrust... May Day... May Day.” This alarming call for help reflects the dire situation the crew faced in those moments.

As part of the investigation, authorities are particularly focused on whether the engines' power loss could be linked to a deliberate act, such as fuel contamination. Minister Mohol emphasized the thoroughness of the ongoing investigation by stating, “The CCTV footage is being reviewed and all angles are being assessed... several agencies are working on it.” This suggests a multi-faceted approach to uncovering the truth behind this tragic event.

Furthermore, the crucial black boxes from the aircraft, which contain vital data regarding the flight's operations leading up to the crash, have been recovered and are currently being analyzed in India. The insights gleaned from this analysis are expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the crash and help determine whether foul play was involved.