Mumbai, Sep 17: Perturbed with the preliminary findings of the AAIB inquiry into the Ahmedabad plane crash, Pushkaraj Sabharwal, father of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal who was one of the pilots of the ill-fated Air India Dreamliner, has demanded a ‘formal investigation’ by the central government.

In one of the worst aircraft accidents in India, a total of 260 people, including 241 passengers, died after Air India’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft operating flight AI171 to London Gatwick crashed soon after take off from Ahmedabad on June 12.

In a letter to the civil aviation secretary and AAIB Director General, 91-year-old Pushkaraj said that selective leaks about the accident have led to speculation that Sumeet (56) was under tremendous psychological pressure and therefore was contemplating committing suicide.

“These innuendos have very adversely affected my health and mental setup and the reputation of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal. They tarnish Captain Sabharwal’s reputation, which is a fundamental right guaranteed to a citizen of India under Article 21 of the Constitution of India,” the letter, dated August 29, said.

Pushkaraj has demanded that the central government order a formal enquiry into the accident under Rule 12 of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017.

Under Rule 12, the central government can institute a formal investigation into circumstances of any accident of an Indian registered aircraft if it appears that it is expedient to hold such a probe.

There were no immediate comments from the civil aviation ministry and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on the letter.

Amid speculations about the cause of the fatal crash after the release of its preliminary probe report on July 12, AAIB had asserted that it was too early to draw any “definite conclusions” on what led to the accident as the investigation was still on and that the final report will come out with the root causes. The probe agency had also urged everyone to refrain from spreading premature narratives.

“The preliminary report on the contrary does not allude to the ‘what’ happened or the bare facts of the crash, instead resorting to insinuations on the one hand and offering copious clean chits to the manufacturer/s on the other. The report in its present form is deficient, diversionary & discrepant,” the letter said.

It also claimed that selective information of the preliminary investigation has been put out in the public domain and the material gathered during such investigation has been released which include the contents of the cockpit voice recorder.

Pushkaraj also refuted speculations about the mental health of his son.

Citing reports, he said it was suggested that Sumeet was divorced and that caused him anxiety and depression.

“It even ignores the fact that Captain Sabharwal was divorced about 15 years ago. The other speculation relating to the cause for Captain Sabharwal being desirous of committing suicide has been his mother’s death. His mother died more than three years ago. After that, Captain Sabharwal had operated more than 100 flights without any incident or accident.

“It is most pertinent to note that in over 25 years of flying, Captain Sabharwal had not had a single incident or accident-causing fatalities or otherwise,” the letter said.

He had almost 15,638.22 hours of flying experience out of which 8,596 hours were on the 787-8 aircraft. He was also designated as a Pilot Trainer i.e a Line Training Captain and had the DGCA licence for the purpose.

Pushkaraj also said that the absence of a formal enquiry conducted in accordance with Rule 12 coupled with the selective information being provided to the media is very disturbing/detrimental to him and affects his fundamental rights, including the right to reputation of his deceased son.

Under Rule 12 of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, the central government can institute a formal investigation into circumstances of any accident of an Indian registered aircraft if it appears that it is expedient to hold such a probe. This will be in addition to the AAIB probe.

In the preliminary report, AAIB had said the fuel supply to both engines of the plane was cut off within a gap of one second, causing confusion in the cockpit soon after takeoff. “In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cut off. The other pilot responded that he did not do so,” it had said.

Dhar, Sep 17: Reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment to national security and sending a strong message to Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “This is a new India. It fears no one’s nuclear threats… Ghar mein ghus ke maarta hai,” he added, using a Hindi phrase that translates to “it enters the enemy’s house and strikes.”

Addressing a massive public gathering in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar, PM Modi recalled India’s decisive military action against terror camps across the border and emphasised the country’s readiness to defend its sovereignty at any cost.

“The nation gives utmost priority to the security of Mother India,” PM Modi declared.

“Pakistani terrorists removed the ‘Sindoor’ of our sisters and daughters. We did Operation Sindoor and destroyed terror camps. Our brave armed forces brought Pakistan to its knees within the blink of an eye,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s remarks referenced a covert military operation that targeted terrorist bases in response to cross-border attacks.

PM Modi’s words struck a chord with the crowd, highlighting the transformation of India’s defence posture in recent years.

He further intensified his stance by referring to a recent incident involving a Pakistani terrorist. “Just yesterday, the nation and the world witnessed another Pakistani terrorist tearfully narrate his ordeal,” PM Modi said. “This is the new India,” he declared, “we do not bow to nuclear threats — we strike at the heart of the enemy.”

PM Modi’s speech in Dhar was not only a tribute to the valour of India’s Armed Forces but also a declaration of the country’s evolving geopolitical stance.

By invoking the emotional imagery of protecting the dignity of Indian women and the symbolism of Sindoor — a traditional mark of marital honour — he underscored the personal and national impact of terrorism.

The Prime Minister’s words reflect a broader narrative of assertiveness and resilience, positioning India as a nation that no longer tolerates threats or aggression. His message was clear: India will respond swiftly and decisively to any act of terror, and it will do so with pride, strength, and unity.

Hyderabad, Sep 17: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday virtually rejected US President Donald Trump’s claims of intervening to stop the Indo-Pak conflict following Operation Sindoor, saying the action against terrorists was not suspended due to any third-party mediation.

Speaking at the ‘Hyderabad Liberation Day’ celebrations organised by the union government here, he said ‘Operation Sindoor’ would resume if any terrorist attack took place in the future.

“There are some people who ask whether the ceasefire between India and Pakistan happened because of the intervention of someone. I would like to make it clear. The operation against terrorists was not suspended because of someone’s intervention,” he said.

“Some claim to have stopped the operation between India and Pakistan. Nobody stopped it. I would like to clarify that Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who is Pakistan’s Deputy PM and foreign minister, also made it clear that India rejected third-party role in the conflict,” he said.

PM Modi has also made it clear that it is a bilateral issue and a third party cannot interfere, he said.

New Delhi, Sep 17: Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, the Grand Mufti of India, welcomed the Honourable Supreme Court’s decision to issue a partial stay on the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill, describing it as a “truly hopeful development for all citizens who believe in the democratic fabric of our nation.”

In his statement, the Grand Mufti said, “The Supreme Court’s intervention is a moment of great relief. The proposed bill contained provisions that gravely threatened to undermine the sacred autonomy, character, and transparent functioning of Waqf institutions, which have served our communities for centuries. By freezing these key clauses, the court has given a major boost to the protection of our constitutional rights and democratic principles.”

He further elaborated on the constitutional implications, stating, “Any legislative overreach into the affairs of Waqf is a direct infringement on the religious freedom guaranteed to every citizen by our Constitution. This bill was not merely a matter of administrative law; it struck at the core values of tolerance and the civil rights upon which our great country is built. It challenged the pluralistic ethos we all cherish.”

“The decisive action by the judiciary gives fresh confidence and restores faith in our democratic institutions. It serves as a reminder that the rule of law and the rights of minorities are protected,” he added.

The Grand Mufti concluded with an appeal for calm and constructive dialogue. “Now, it is imperative for everyone to continue engaging with this issue in a peaceful, mature, and democratic manner. We must place our trust in the judicial process and continue to advocate for our rights through constitutional means. I urge all community members and leaders to act with wisdom and restraint as this matter proceeds.”