National

Black Box Recovered as Authorities Launch Investigation into Ahmedabad Plane Crash

Published

1 year ago

June 13, 2025

In a thorough investigation of the tragic crash involving the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad, authorities recovered one of the two black boxes from the ill-fated AI171 on Friday. Air India confirmed that 241 individuals, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, perished in the incident, with only one survivor.
The crash, which struck the BJ Medical College building, also claimed the lives of at least four MBBS students and the wife of a doctor.

The recovered Digital Flight Data Recorder, commonly known as the ‘black box,’ was located on the roof of the BJ Medical College hostel, while efforts continued to retrieve the second black box typically situated on the aircraft’s tail.

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The black box is crucial in air accident investigations, providing insights into various failures, whether technical or human. It consists of two components: the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), which logs data such as speed, altitude, engine performance, and navigation, and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which captures audio from the cockpit, including pilot communications and other significant sounds.
Additionally, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) uncovered a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) among the wreckage, containing valuable CCTV footage or cockpit data to further clarify the moments leading up to the crash.
Family members of the passengers have begun arriving in Ahmedabad to identify their loved ones, with 192 samples collected for DNA testing.
Meanwhile, students, faculty, and staff from the hostel where the incident occurred have been relocated to alternate housing.
Rescue teams have confirmed that their operations at the crash site have concluded.
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as AI171, crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, impacting a densely populated area near BJ Medical College.
The incident resulted in the deaths of 241 of the 242 individuals on board, with the sole survivor, a British national of Indian descent, receiving medical attention.
Among the deceased, there were 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian, marking the tragedy as an international event. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively coordinating with the affected countries to provide assistance in identification, repatriation, and communication with grieving families.
Recovery operations continue at the site, with DNA testing underway at BJ Medical College for remains that are too badly damaged for visual identification.
The Indian government has pledged a comprehensive investigation into what is now recognized as one of the most devastating aviation disasters in recent Indian history.
Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India are collaborating with international agencies to ascertain the cause of the crash.
On Friday, Air India reiterated that 241 lives were lost in the tragic crash of Flight AI171, which was en route to London from Ahmedabad, while one person survived.

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National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

1 day ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

4 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

5 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.