New Delhi: In a sweeping investigation following the tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad, Indian security and intelligence agencies are examining possible sabotage as a key factor behind the rare dual-engine failure. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was en route to London, crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, killing 274 people, including nine individuals on the ground. The aircraft plummeted into the BJ Medical College residential quarters in Meghaninagar around 1:30 PM, resulting in a massive fire. Remarkably, one passenger survived the disaster.
According to senior intelligence sources quoted by CNN-News18, the rare occurrence of simultaneous engine failure in a modern Dreamliner has prompted a multi-agency investigation exploring seven possible sabotage scenarios. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the official probe, while intelligence units work in parallel to rule out foul play and ensure aviation security is not compromised.
One of the primary angles under scrutiny is fuel chain tampering. Investigators are examining whether the aircraft’s fuel may have been deliberately adulterated. Forensic tests are underway on the fuel source, storage, and hydrant systems at Ahmedabad airport, while ground staff and supplier contracts are being reviewed for possible infiltration or compromise.
The second area of concern involves maintenance sabotage and insider threats. Given the technical complexity of the Dreamliner, officials are investigating whether faults were intentionally overlooked or components manipulated. Maintenance logs, technician credentials, and tool-tracking records are being combed for discrepancies that might point to sabotage from within.
A third possibility being explored is cyber-physical manipulation. Since the Dreamliner is heavily software-reliant, forensic cyber audits are being conducted to detect any malware, spoofed commands, or unauthorized code that may have disrupted systems such as the flight management unit or engine controls. Investigators are closely examining both onboard and ground-linked systems.
Additionally, authorities are probing potential airport security breaches or insider access. Biometric records, CCTV footage, and crew movement logs from the pre-flight period are under review. Any anomalies or unauthorized access to the aircraft or its systems are being investigated as possible points of compromise.
Another line of inquiry focuses on passenger or cargo-related targeting. Intelligence agencies are examining whether any individuals on board or sensitive cargo made the flight a potential target. Manifests are being cross-checked for high-profile, political, or strategic relevance that could explain the motive for a deliberate act.
Further, the possibility of foreign involvement or proxy-actor sabotage is not being ruled out. Given the aircraft’s Indian carrier status, its use of advanced US-manufactured platforms, and the mix of Indian and British passengers, authorities are considering whether a hostile foreign entity or non-state actor could have staged the crash as a demonstration or retaliation.
Lastly, airfield and ATC interference is also under investigation. This includes scenarios involving GPS jamming, signal spoofing, or even tampered air traffic control instructions. Communication logs and radar data from the time of takeoff are being analyzed for irregularities.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, confirmed on Sunday that sabotage remains one of the key angles being pursued. While no conclusive evidence has yet been found, investigators are awaiting the decoding of the aircraft’s black box, which is expected to provide vital data on the moments leading up to the crash. Until then, agencies are operating on a prevention-through-elimination model to ensure all possible sabotage angles are exhaustively ruled out.
As the nation mourns the lives lost in one of India’s worst aviation tragedies, pressure is mounting on authorities to identify the cause with clarity and urgency. The outcome of this probe could have far-reaching implications for both civil aviation safety and national security.
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