India Aviation Minister Denies Manipulation in 260-Death Air India Crash Probe

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has firmly denied any manipulation or unethical practices in the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) probe into the June 12 Air India plane crash that killed 260 people. His statements came in response to concerns raised by the Federation of Indian Pilots, which accused the AAIB of bias, procedural irregularities, and leaking sensitive cockpit voice recorder information, potentially harming the reputation of the pilot involved. Naidu emphasized that the investigation is a transparent, thorough, and rule-abiding process, urging patience until the final AAIB report is released to fully understand the crash's cause. The preliminary AAIB report suggested the crash was linked to pilot error with fuel cutoff switches being switched off. The minister's reassurances aim to maintain public trust and uphold the integrity of India's aviation investigation standards amid scrutiny and calls for a judicial inquiry.