Ahemdabad Plane Crash: Ajay Singh Mourns Neighbour Pilot Sumeet Sabharwal's Death; Says 'It's Hard To Process'

Actor Ajay Singh Chaudhary is grieving the loss of his neighbour, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who was the co-pilot of Air India flight AI171. The flight tragically crashed in Ahmedabad, claiming 290 lives. Ajay shared memories of Sumeet's warmth and their last conversation before the disaster.

The ill-fated Air India AI171 was headed to London from Ahmedabad when it crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025. The aircraft carried 242 passengers, including 169 Indians, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. Thick smoke was seen rising from the crash site near Meghaninagar.

Ajay Singh Chaudhary Remembers His Neighbour

Ajay described Captain Sumeet as "an ever-smiling and lively being" who exuded calmness and warmth. They lived in the same Mumbai society for over twelve years, forming a bond that extended beyond mere neighbours. Ajay fondly recalls their interactions and how Sumeet's presence always brought positivity.

Ajay was filming for his TV show when he received a devastating call from his mother. Her voice trembled as she informed him about Sumeet's involvement in the crash. "It was hard to process," Ajay said. "You read about crashes but never think it could happen to someone you know—until it does."

The Aftermath of the Tragedy

Visiting the Sabharwal home after the tragedy was particularly challenging for Ajay. He described a hollow silence that enveloped the house despite people coming and going. "Sumeet's absence was deafening," he noted. Sumeet's father struggled to maintain composure, often breaking down in quiet moments.

A few days before the crash, Ajay's mother met Sumeet during her morning walk. He mentioned flying to Ahmedabad soon and then to London. Neither imagined it would be their last conversation. This chance encounter now holds significant weight for Ajay's family.

Support Amidst Grief

Sumeet's sister and her children are currently with the family, providing some solace during this difficult time. Ajay expressed gratitude for their presence but acknowledged that nothing can truly fill such a void. Their community of defence families stands united in support.

Remarkably, there was one survivor from the crash: Vishwashkumar Ramesh, seated in 11A, managed to escape by jumping from the aircraft just before it exploded. He remains the sole survivor of this tragic incident.

Investigation Underway

Air India confirmed the incident through a statement on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging that flight AI171 experienced an incident on June 12, 2025. Authorities have recovered both black boxes from the crash site, and preliminary analysis is ongoing to determine what went wrong.

A distress signal or "mayday" was reportedly issued by the cockpit shortly after takeoff—just moments before radar contact was lost with the aircraft.

The memory of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal lives on in those who knew him—not only as a skilled pilot but also as a kind-hearted individual who left an indelible mark on everyone he met.