What Accountability Measures Are Being Taken After the Ahmedabad Plane Crash?
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Synopsis
In the wake of the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, the identification process for the 265 victims is ongoing, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge demanding accountability. As investigations unfold, families await answers while authorities seek clarity on the factors leading to the disaster.
Key Takeaways
- 265 victims involved in the Air India flight AI-171 crash.
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge demands accountability.
- The identification of remains is ongoing using DNA testing.
- The investigation involves multiple agencies.
- Speculation includes the possibility of fuel adulteration.
Ahmedabad, June 14 (NationPress) Two days post the devastating incident involving Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, efforts to identify and return the remains of the 265 victims are ongoing at the Civil Hospital. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has demanded for “accountability and transparency”, urging the Centre to provide definitive answers regarding the causes and failures that led to this tragedy.
“The government is responsible for compensating the families of the victims and establishing accountability,” he emphasized.
Among those lost is former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. His family has arrived in Gandhinagar and is awaiting DNA confirmation before his body can be officially released. Like many others, they are facing the challenging wait as DNA analysis is the only viable method to identify the severely charred remains.
A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reached the crash site and formally requested the Gujarat government to participate in the investigation. With 17 central and state agencies involved, the inquiry is broadening to investigate whether sabotage, technical malfunction, or systemic failures contributed to the incident.
Although the NIA has not been officially assigned to lead the investigation, their involvement highlights the seriousness of the situation. On Saturday, rescue teams retrieved another body, believed to be a female crew member, from the tail section of the aircraft.
The discovery was prompted by a strong odor near the wreckage, leading to the retrieval of the body, which was subsequently sent for postmortem and identification. Sources indicate that this body belonged to a female cabin crew member who had been previously unaccounted for.
The Civil Hospital has confirmed receipt of 265 bodies, many of which are severely burned and unrecognizable. DNA matching is being conducted urgently to ensure that remains are returned to the correct families. Officials indicate that this process could take several more days.
Meanwhile, speculation regarding the cause of the crash persists.
Saligram J. Muralidhar, a former Deputy Director of National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), has suggested that fuel adulteration may have been a factor. “If the fuel was contaminated, it might not have provided the necessary thrust for a stable takeoff, potentially leading to an aircraft stall or mid-air failure,” Muralidhar noted, while reminding that only a formal investigation can verify this.
Point of View
It is imperative to view the Ahmedabad plane crash through the lens of responsible journalism. The public deserves transparency and accountability in the wake of such tragedies. The investigation must be thorough and unbiased, focusing on uncovering the truth, whether it points to technical failures or external factors. The emphasis should remain on supporting the victims' families during this difficult time.
NationPress
15/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Ahmedabad plane crash?
The Air India flight AI-171 crashed in Ahmedabad, resulting in the tragic loss of 265 lives. The identification of victims is currently ongoing.
Who is demanding accountability for the crash?
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is calling for accountability and transparency from the government regarding the causes of the crash.
What is the status of the investigation?
The investigation is being conducted by multiple agencies, including the NIA, as authorities look into possible sabotage, technical failures, or systemic lapses.
How are the victims being identified?
Victims are being identified through DNA matching, as many remains are severely charred and unrecognizable.
What are the potential causes of the crash being speculated?
Speculation includes possibilities such as fuel adulteration, which could impact the aircraft's performance during takeoff.
