'We Stand By The Truth': Aviation Minister Slams Western Media Over Air India Crash 'Narrative'
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu on Monday addressed the Rajya Sabha regarding the ongoing investigation into the tragic Air India crash near Ahmedabad on July 12, which left 241 passengers dead and caused additional casualties on the ground. Naidu slammed western media for blaming the pilots for the crash, adding the exact reasons will be out in the final investigation report.
Responding to questions surrounding the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) preliminary findings, Naidu emphasised that the investigation is being conducted in line with international aviation protocols and is being handled with complete transparency. 'This report can't address all the questions," Naidu said while referring to the preliminary AAIB document. 'What AAIB has done is to address what happened. For definite answers, we should wait for the final report. AAIB is investigating the matter transparently."
Highlighting a significant development in India's aviation investigation capabilities, Naidu noted, 'It was for the first time the black box was decoded in the country. India took a stand that the whole decoding process will happen in India." He added that subject experts, including international specialists, are actively involved in the process.
Naidu also took strong exception to the way some Western media outlets have covered the crash. 'Western media is trying to give their own narrative," he said, cautioning against speculative reporting. 'We have to stand by truth."
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