Ram Mohan Naidu urges restraint, highlights probe integrity amid speculation

New Delhi, July 21, 2025 – Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu addressed the Rajya Sabha today on the Air India AI-171 crash. He criticized Western media outlets for what he called “biased and speculative reporting.” The minister stressed that India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading a transparent and fact-based investigation. He urged both the media and the public to avoid jumping to conclusions before the official findings are released.

Naidu’s statement comes amid rising international media speculation about the Air India crash. Some foreign outlets have suggested pilot error, fuel issues, or regulatory failures as possible causes. “I have seen multiple articles from foreign sources trying to promote their own viewpoint. We must respect the investigation process,” said the minister. The minister warned that such reporting could mislead the public. He added that it might also interfere with the ongoing technical investigation by Indian aviation safety agencies.

Emphasizing India’s growing capabilities, Naidu highlighted that Indian experts decoded the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) without foreign assistance. This marks the first time India has handled black box analysis without relying on foreign labs. He hailed this as a “milestone” in India’s aviation investigation infrastructure, demonstrating growing technical independence. “This is a sensitive issue. We are ensuring that the final report is based on evidence, not emotion,” Naidu added.

According to sources within the AAIB, preliminary data indicates a sequence of mechanical anomalies just minutes before the aircraft began its descent into the Arabian Sea. However, investigators have so far declined to confirm any conclusions, stating that laboratory tests and metallurgical analyses are still underway. Meanwhile, Naidu emphasized that the ministry will not issue piecemeal updates. Instead, it will release a single, consolidated final report in accordance with ICAO protocol.

The minister also reassured Parliament that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is actively assisting the investigation and has already issued interim advisories to airlines operating similar aircraft models. These include enhanced mid-flight monitoring protocols and additional checks on critical fuel systems.He also confirmed that authorities have accounted for all 211 passengers and 12 crew members on board. DNA identification efforts continue for the 23 people who lost their lives in the crash.

Families of the victims will be provided with compensation packages in accordance with international aviation treaties. Naidu reiterated that Air India is fully cooperating with investigators. He stressed that the airline has made no attempt to influence the probe “This is not the time to play politics or allow foreign media to shape our narrative,” he stated.

The AI-171 crash, which happened on July 14 during a flight from Dubai to Mumbai, is among the worst air disasters India has seen in the past decade. As scrutiny grows both at home and abroad, Naidu’s strong remarks show the government’s intent to manage the narrative. He emphasized that the final report must be based solely on verified facts.

Sources