Mumbai Bids Tearful Farewell to Captain Sumeet Sabharwal

Mumbai: An air of sorrow blanketed Mumbai’s Powai on Tuesday as the mortal remains of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal — pilot of the ill-fated Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad — were brought to his home in Jal Vayu Vihar. The veteran pilot, with over three decades of flying experience, was among the 241 victims of the devastating crash.

Captain Sabharwal’s father, Pushkaraj Sabharwal, a retired senior DGCA official, stood solemnly among family and neighbors as the hearse arrived. Known for his dedication to aviation, Sumeet had recently spoken to his father about taking time off to spend with him — a plan now cruelly cut short.

Jal Vayu Vihar, home to many retired Air Force officers and aviation professionals, came together in silent tribute. Grief-stricken residents gathered to salute the fallen captain, whose decorated career included more than 8,200 hours in the sky.

Several prominent personalities, including Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, also visited the residence to offer condolences and honor Captain Sabharwal’s service.

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was piloting the London-bound Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner that crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on June 12. Among the nine Mumbai-based crew members aboard, none survived. Of the 232 people onboard, only one — a passenger identified as Ramesh Vishwaskumar — reportedly survived the tragedy.