Chief of agency probing crash gets X-category cover from CRPF
By Prawesh Lama , New Delhi
Jun 29, 2025 05:52 AM IST
The Centre has provided CRPF's 'X' security cover to chief of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), GVG Yugandhar, officials aware of the matter said on Saturday, days after the former Indian Air Force officer took over the probe into the June 12 Air India crash in which at least 260 people were killed. Chief of agency probing crash gets X-category cover from CRPF
'The security cover has been provided based on the MHA's orders after a threat review by intelligence agencies highlighted the threats and the need for cover,' an official said, requesting anonymity.
'The security cover will be applicable across the country,' he said.
Yugandhar is the director general (DG) of the AAIB.
Under the X category, at least two commandos will guard the AAIB chief round the clock.
The government is yet to issue a statement on the nature of the threat to the officer leading the probe.
While probe agencies are investigating the cause of the crash, the site has already been inspected by officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guards (NSG)and the Gujarat anti-terror squad (ATS).
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is also likely to join investigation into the crash.
People aware of the matter have told HT that ICAO requested the Indian government seeking an 'observer status' for one of its investigators in the probe which is being led by the AAIB. India has approved the request with an ICAO official expected to be designated as observer within two days.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
an hour ago
- New Indian Express
India rejects Pakistan's allegations over Waziristan attack
India has strongly rejected Pakistan's attempt to link it to a deadly suicide bombing in the Waziristan region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling the accusations baseless and unfounded. The attack, which took place on June 28, claimed the lives of at least 13 security personnel and left 24 others injured. In the aftermath, the Pakistan Army released a statement suggesting Indian involvement in the incident. In a sharp response issued late Saturday, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the allegations. "We have seen the official statement by the Pakistan Army attempting to attribute responsibility for the Waziristan attack to India," the MEA said. "We reject this statement with the contempt it deserves." India reiterated that Pakistan must focus on addressing terrorism within its own borders rather than deflecting blame.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
‘Haven't seen my father in 9 years': Telangna worker stranded in Saudi Arabia after employer withholds passport, visa
Thallapally Eshwar, an Indian migrant worker from Hanumakonda, has been stranded in Saudi Arabia for nine years after losing his visa and passport, allegedly held by his employer. Living in fear of arrest in Sakakah, Al-Jawf province, he lacks legal documents and a valid work permit. HYDERABAD: For the past nine years, Thallapally Eshwar, 54, migrant worker from Hanumakonda, has been stranded in Saudi Arabia. His return blocked by loss of his visa and passport, allegedly withheld by his employer. With no legal documents and lapsed work permit, Eshwar has been stuck in Sakakah in Al-Jawf province, living in fear of arrest. "For nine years, we haven't seen my father. He cannot step out without risking arrest," said his daughter, Mani Deepika, 27, on Saturday. His wife, Thallapally Latha, approached Pravasi Praja Vani grievance redressal forum at Praja Bhavan, submitting a plea addressed to CM Revanth Reddy. Eshwar migrated to Saudi Arabia after being promised a job as a house driver. But a year later, he lost job. Eshwar found work briefly as a driver elsewhere, but for the past seven years, he has been working in a date palm field as a labourer, without legal status or freedom of movement. Eshwar's work permit expired in Aug 2017. Although his passport is valid until Jan 2027, the original is not with him.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Pakistan suicide bombing: Taliban faction claims attack as Islamabad blames India
Jun 29, 2025 08:43 AM IST At least 13 security officials were killed in Pakistan in a suicide bombing on Saturday. The attack, which took place in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has also left 24 people injured. Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations blamed India for the suicide bombing. However, as per the latest reports, Pakistan's Taliban faction has claimed responsibility for the attack. (AFP/Representational) Shortly after the attack, an official statement from Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations blamed India for the suicide bombing. However, as per the latest reports, Pakistan's Taliban faction has claimed responsibility for the attack. Also Read: '800 kg of explosives': How suicide blast hit military convoy in Pakistan's North Waziristan Pakistan suicide bombing: What we know 13 killed, 24 injured: At least 13 security personnel were killed in the terror attack on Saturday. As per the Pakistani military, a vehicle-borne suicide attacker targeted a security convoy in the district's Mir Ali area, before being intercepted by the convoy's lead vehicle. At least 24 personnel, including 14 civilians, have been injured in the attack. At least 13 security personnel were killed in the terror attack on Saturday. As per the Pakistani military, a vehicle-borne suicide attacker targeted a security convoy in the district's Mir Ali area, before being intercepted by the convoy's lead vehicle. At least 24 personnel, including 14 civilians, have been injured in the attack. Pak Taliban faction claims attack : As per an AFP report, the suicide bombing was claimed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur armed group, a faction of the Pakistan Taliban, or TPP. : As per an AFP report, the suicide bombing was claimed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur armed group, a faction of the Pakistan Taliban, or TPP. Pak blames India: Pakistan has blamed India for the attack, further accusing the neighouring state of sponsoring terrorism in Islamabad. 'The security forces of Pakistan, in step with [the] nation, remain steadfast in their resolve to eradicate Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers and innocent civilians further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,' read the official statement issued by the ISPR. Pakistan has blamed India for the attack, further accusing the neighouring state of sponsoring terrorism in Islamabad. 'The security forces of Pakistan, in step with [the] nation, remain steadfast in their resolve to eradicate Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers and innocent civilians further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,' read the official statement issued by the ISPR. India denies role: India has dismissed and denied Pakistan's allegations against it, linking Delhi to the suicide bombing. "We have seen an official statement by the Pakistan Army seeking to blame India for the attack in Waziristan on 28 June. We reject this statement with the contempt it deserves,' said the Ministry of External Affairs. India has dismissed and denied Pakistan's allegations against it, linking Delhi to the suicide bombing. "We have seen an official statement by the Pakistan Army seeking to blame India for the attack in Waziristan on 28 June. We reject this statement with the contempt it deserves,' said the Ministry of External Affairs. Zardari condemns attack: President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack on the security convoy and paid tribute to the 13 deceased. 'The martyrs ensured the security of the motherland by sacrificing their lives,' said Zardari, adding that "such a cowardly attack cannot dampen the morale of the nation." Get the latest headlines from US news and global updates from Pakistan, UK, Bangladesh, and Russia get all the latest headlines in one place with including Vance Luther Boelteron Hindustan Times.
