Pilots' Federation Challenges Summons of Late Captain's Relative in Air India Crash Probe

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has issued a legal notice to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) after it summoned Captain Varun Anand, nephew of the late Captain Sumeet Sabharwal who commanded the ill-fated Air India Flight 171 that crashed in June 2025, killing 260 people. FIP states Anand has no connection to the flight, its planning, or the crash site, and objects to his summons without clear legal basis. The federation suspects the move aims to shift blame onto the deceased crew, citing International Civil Aviation Organization rules that prohibit summoning relatives. Anand has agreed to appear via video conferencing. The Civil Aviation Minister has denied any manipulation of the investigation and urged patience for the final report.