Air India Crash: From Fuel Tampering To Security Breach, 7 Sabotage Angles Being Probed, Say Sources
Last Updated:
According to top intelligence sources, the rare occurrence of a dual engine failure in the Air India Dreamliner has triggered this comprehensive investigation to eliminate doubts.
Indian security agencies are leaving no stone unturned in investigating potential sabotage in the Air India AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad, top intelligence sources have told CNN-News18. The agencies are employing a strategy of prevention through elimination to rule out every possible sabotage scenario, thereby safeguarding aviation infrastructure and deterring future threats. According to top intelligence sources, the thorough investigations will only commence once the black box recordings are decoded by the appointed investigator.
CNN-News18 has outlined the various angles being considered by intelligence agencies as they probe the sabotage possibilities. According to top intelligence sources, the rare occurrence of a dual engine failure in the Air India Dreamliner has triggered this comprehensive investigation to eliminate any doubts.
1. Fuel Chain Tampering
Among the primary lines of inquiry, sources reveal, is the possibility of fuel chain tampering. The integrity of fuel sourcing, storage, and hydrant systems are under forensic review for any signs of chemical adulteration or deliberate contamination. Ground staff and supplier contracts at Ahmedabad airport are being meticulously scrutinised for any potential infiltration.
2. Maintenance Sabotage & Insider Angle
3. Cyber-Physical Manipulation
Another critical angle, according to top intelligence sources, is the potential for cyber-physical manipulation. The Boeing 787 is vulnerable to malware or software interference. Forensic cyber audits are being conducted on engine control units, flight management systems, and ground maintenance terminals to detect any implanted code or command spoofing.
4. Insider Access & Airport Security Breach
Security agencies are also investigating any unauthorized access or compromised personnel at the airport. Access logs, biometric trails, and CCTV footage, especially from the pre-flight period, are under review. Any deviations in crew or logistics handling timelines are being closely examined.
5. Targeted Passenger Or Cargo Driven Motive
Intelligence sources suggest that the investigation is also looking into targeted passenger or cargo-driven motives. Manifests are being cross-checked for individuals with political, intelligence, or legal sensitivities to determine if the aircraft was a targeted symbolic or strategic goal.
6. External Hand Or Proxy-Actor Involvement
Given the aircraft's Indian carrier status, Dreamliner platform, and the mix of Indian and British passengers, agencies are probing the involvement of foreign hostile entities or non-state proxies, considering this incident as a possible demonstration or retaliation stage.
7. Airfield And ATC Interference
Finally, agencies are analysing the possibility of airfield and ATC interference. This includes electronic warfare tactics such as GPS spoofing, signal jamming, or compromised ATC instructions.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol had on Sunday stated that sabotage is one of the key angles being examined in the crash, which claimed 274 lives in Ahmedabad. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading a comprehensive investigation into the crash of flight AI 171, considering all potential causes.
The tragic crash occurred on June 12, when the London-bound Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 (flight AI 171) plummeted into a residential area shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, carrying 242 people, lost altitude around 1:30 PM and crashed into the BJ Medical College residential quarters in Meghaninagar, resulting in a devastating fire. Only one person survived the crash, while nine individuals on the ground also perished.
tags :
Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
June 30, 2025, 09:54 IST
News india Air India Crash: From Fuel Tampering To Security Breach, 7 Sabotage Angles Being Probed, Say Sources
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