A day after a video was exclusively aired on APN News channel showing top honchos of Air India SATS (AISATS) dancing in a party, the company has put out a public apology.
The apology comes following uproar over the fact that senior executives were insensitive enough to dance at a party when the victims of the Ahmedabad air crash were still being identified by DNA tests. In the crash, 274 people died including ground casualties.
The party had been organized at AISATS’ Gurugram office on June 20, a mere 8 days after the crash on June 12. The party was attended by Bengaluru International Airport Limited’s GM and head Sampreet Kotian, AISATS’ Chief Operating Officer Abraham Zakaria, and the company’s Chief Financial Officer.
AISATS is a partnership between Air India Limited (Tata Group) and Singapore-based SATS Limited. It handles airport ground services at various airports across India. AISATS has handled ground operations of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Air India holds 50 per cent stake in the company and, as a result, can’t wash its hands of.
An AISATS spokesperson expressed regret for any emotional discomfort caused. “AISATS is aware of a video being circulated on social media that unfortunately is completely out of context. Notwithstanding, we sincerely regret any emotional discomfort this may have caused.” But the apology has done little to calm public anger.
Concerns have been raised about the inappropriate timing of the party and about airlines’ priorities and sensitivity of senior management. Meanwhile, the government has initiated efforts to unravel the mystery of the crash.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation ( DGCA) has initiated a probe at Air India’s primary facility in Gurugram. It will authenticate aircraft documentation, airworthiness status, flight scheduling, rostering and crew-related records including training and duty hours.
It is also reported that the Parliament committee on transport will meet in the first week of July and deliberate on safety of civil aviation. The agenda may include aircraft maintenance concerns. Government officials, airline representatives, and Boeing executives have been summoned and are expected to be grilled.
The video can further damage Air India’s reputation and erode passenger trust. After the public indignation and brouhaha, Air India may need to review its management policies and values to prioritize passenger safety and satisfaction, and the reputation of its brand.
DMK leader’s son arrested after car rams family in Krishnagiri, one dead
A 20-year-old son of a DMK leader has been arrested for allegedly driving a car into four members of a family in Krishnagiri, killing assistant labour inspector Sivamoorthy.
A 20-year-old son of a leader from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has been arrested for allegedly mowing down four members of a family following a heated argument in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district. One person died in the incident, police said.
The deceased has been identified as Sivamoorthy, an assistant labour inspector and a resident of Krishnagiri. According to the police, the incident occurred outside his residence after the accused, identified as Adithya, objected to a two-wheeler parked on the road.
Police said Adithya was driving the car and began honking as the two-wheeler was blocking the road. Sivamoorthy and his family members reportedly stepped out to move the vehicle. During the exchange that followed, an altercation broke out.
Investigators allege that Adithya then rammed his car into Sivamoorthy, his son Kirubakaran, daughter-in-law Amsavalli and granddaughter Nilani. Sivamoorthy sustained severe injuries and later succumbed. The others were injured in the incident.
Besides Adithya, two of his friends — Rithik Kumar and Harish — who were present in the car at the time, have also been arrested. A case of murder has been registered against the trio and further investigation is underway.
Kirubakaran, recounting the incident, said the family had attempted to move the parked two-wheeler when the accused damaged it. He alleged that the men appeared intoxicated and tried to assault them with a stick before the vehicle was driven into the family.
Amsavalli said they had tried to defuse the situation peacefully but the confrontation turned violent, resulting in her father-in-law’s death and injuries to her child.
A police officer stated that Adithya’s father is a local functionary of the DMK in Krishnagiri district. The victim’s family has demanded strict action in the case.
Reacting to the incident, state BJP chief Nainar Nagendran criticised the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, questioning the state government over the episode and alleging that party functionaries were misusing their influence.
Security tightened across Delhi metro stations after bomb threat emails
Delhi is on high alert after bomb threat emails targeted metro stations, the Red Fort and the Assembly. Authorities confirmed the threats were hoaxes but tightened security as a precaution.
Security has been intensified across all metro stations and major installations in the national capital after a series of bomb threat emails were received on Monday. Authorities later confirmed that the threats were hoaxes following detailed inspections by security agencies.
According to officials, several key institutions — including the Delhi Secretariat, Delhi Assembly, the Red Fort and two schools — received threatening emails earlier in the day. Extensive searches were carried out at all the locations mentioned in the messages, but nothing suspicious was found.
A senior police officer said cyber teams are working to trace the origin of the emails. Preliminary findings suggest that the senders may have used Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in an attempt to conceal their identities and mislead investigators. Officials expressed confidence that those responsible would be identified.
Metro stations under heightened surveillance
Following specific references to metro services in the emails, security arrangements were strengthened across the entire network of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Additional personnel have been deployed at stations, and anti-sabotage checks are being conducted.
Police said random frisking of passengers and intensified CCTV surveillance are being carried out as part of precautionary measures. Bomb disposal squads and dog squads were stationed at sensitive sites, including the Red Fort, Delhi Secretariat and the Assembly complex.
The threatening emails reportedly included the slogan “Delhi banega Khalistan” and warned of explosions at an Army school, the Assembly and the Red Fort at specific times during the day. Officials stated that all mentioned locations were thoroughly checked and declared safe.
Authorities also coordinated with counterparts in neighbouring states to enhance security at metro stations falling under their jurisdictions.
While no explosives were found, officials said the tightened security arrangements will remain in place as a precaution. Cyber teams continue efforts to trace the IP addresses and identify those behind the threat emails.
Tension gripped the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University in the early hours of Monday after a protest march allegedly spiralled into violence, with rival student groups accusing each other of triggering the unrest.
Students claimed that the incident occurred around 1.30 am when a confrontation broke out during a march called by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union. The protest, named “Samta Juloos”, was headed towards the East Gate and was organised to demand the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and the withdrawal of a rustication order.
According to protesters, several students were injured after alleged stone-throwing during the clash. They alleged that the university administration did not intervene during the march and instead permitted members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad to confront demonstrators.
However, the ABVP denied the allegations and countered that Left-affiliated organisations instigated the confrontation and were spreading misinformation about the events.
Left-backed groups, including the All India Students’ Association, claimed that ABVP activists targeted the JNUSU encampment and hurled stones at “unarmed students”, leading to multiple injuries.
Videos shared by students on social media reportedly showed chaotic scenes near the protest site, with members of rival groups engaged in heated exchanges and physical scuffles.
University authorities did not immediately respond to queries regarding the incident. Students said the situation on campus remained tense following the overnight clashes.
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