The Air India tragedy, also known as the Air India Flight 182 bombing, occurred on June 23, 1985. It remains one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in aviation history. Here is a detailed explanation of the events and their significance:
Background
- Flight Details: Air India Flight 182 was a Boeing 747 aircraft, operating on the Montreal–London–Delhi–Bombay route.
- Passengers and Crew: The flight carried 329 passengers and crew members, most of whom were Canadian citizens of Indian descent.
The Bombing
- Bomb Placement: The bomb that brought down Air India Flight 182 was placed in the luggage at Vancouver International Airport in British Columbia, Canada. The suitcase containing the bomb was loaded onto a Canadian Pacific Airlines flight from Vancouver to Toronto, where it was transferred to Air India Flight 182. This bomb, hidden in a suitcase, ultimately detonated over the Atlantic Ocean on June 23, 1985, leading to the tragic loss of 329 lives.
- Explosion: The bomb detonated over the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Ireland, at an altitude of 31,000 feet. The explosion caused the aircraft to break apart in mid-air, leading to the deaths of all 329 people on board.
Investigation and Aftermath
- Immediate Response: The wreckage and bodies were scattered over the ocean, making recovery efforts challenging. Only 131 bodies were recovered.
- Perpetrators: Investigations led to the identification of the perpetrators, primarily members of the Babbar Khalsa, a Sikh militant group seeking revenge for the Indian government’s attack on the Golden Temple in Amritsar in 1984.
- Failed Security Measures: The bombing highlighted significant failures in airport security, particularly in baggage screening and passenger checks.
Legal Proceedings
- Inderjit Singh Reyat: Inderjit Singh Reyat was the only person convicted in connection with the bombing. He served a prison sentence for manslaughter and perjury but was not convicted of murder.
- Other Suspects: Several other suspects were arrested and charged, but due to insufficient evidence, they were acquitted.
Impact and Significance
- Canadian Government Response: The Canadian government faced criticism for its handling of the investigation and security lapses. This led to significant changes in aviation security and intelligence operations.
- Memorials: Memorials have been established in Canada, Ireland, and India to honor the victims of the tragedy.
- Public Inquiry: The Canadian government launched a public inquiry into the bombing, which resulted in the publication of the “Air India Inquiry Report” in 2010. The report criticized the Canadian authorities for their failures and made recommendations for improving security and intelligence operations.
Legacy
- Victims’ Families: The tragedy deeply affected the families of the victims, many of whom continue to seek justice and recognition of the failures that led to the bombing.
- Security Improvements: The Air India bombing led to worldwide changes in airport and airline security, including stricter baggage screening procedures, better intelligence sharing, and improved counter-terrorism measures.
- Cultural Impact: The incident remains a somber reminder of the dangers of terrorism and the need for vigilance in preventing such attacks.
The Air India Flight 182 bombing is a significant event in the history of aviation terrorism, highlighting the vulnerabilities in security systems and the devastating impact of such attacks on innocent lives and their families.
