Actress Faces Backlash, Apologizes for False Claims About Plane Crash Survivor

MUMBAI — Bollywood actress Suchitra Krishnamoorthi issued a public apology after facing intense criticism for falsely accusing Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, of fabricating his survival story. The controversy erupted when Krishnamoorthi posted on X, questioning the authenticity of Ramesh’s account, echoing unverified social media rumors. Her now-deleted post suggested Ramesh had lied about being a passenger on the ill-fated flight.

The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed on June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and at least 29 others on the ground. Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national seated in 11A near an emergency exit, miraculously survived and is receiving treatment at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. His survival was verified by hospital authorities, contradicting the rumors Krishnamoorthi amplified.

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Following swift backlash from social media users who condemned her for spreading misinformation, Krishnamoorthi removed the post. In a follow-up statement on X, she wrote, “Took out my last tweet on the Air India crash survivor. Seems to be false news circulated for God knows what reason. My apologies.” She later explained to News18 that a friend had shared the misleading information, which she reposted without verification, expressing regret for her actions.

Krishnamoorthi, known for her role alongside Shah Rukh Khan in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, has been active on social media, frequently sharing opinions on various issues. The incident sparked significant online debate, with users criticizing her for insensitivity and failing to verify claims before posting.