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Female Engineer Linked to Air India Plane Crash Claims Responsibility but Has Not Been Convicted

Introduction

In a story that has gripped India and the world, a young female engineer from Chennai, Rene Joshilda, shocked investigators after claiming responsibility for the tragic Air India plane crash (AI-171). Her confession, sent through multiple hoax emails, sparked panic, confusion, and a nationwide investigation. But despite the sensational headlines, it’s important to note that Rene Joshilda has not been convicted of any crime related to the crash.

The story, first reported by DocuNews Central, reveals a disturbing mix of heartbreak, obsession, and cybercrime that led to one of India’s strangest criminal cases in recent memory.

The Shocking Confession: “I Crashed Air India AI-171”

When the Air India flight AI-171 tragically went down on June 12, 2025, investigators were quick to focus on mechanical failure. But weeks later, a bizarre twist emerged. A woman identifying herself as “Rene Joshilda” sent an email to several media outlets and law enforcement agencies claiming that she and her associates were behind the crash. Her exact words — “We crashed Air India 171” — sent shockwaves through India’s aviation and security circles.

Authorities soon discovered that the email was one of hundreds sent from fake addresses, many of them linked to the same IP addresses in Chennai and other Indian cities. Each message carried disturbing details about the crash, leading some to believe there might be a cyber-terrorism element. But the truth, as investigators found, was both simpler and more tragic.

Who Is Rene Joshilda?

Rene Joshilda is a 27-year-old robotics engineer and senior consultant at a prominent IT firm in Chennai. Described by colleagues as intelligent but reclusive, she reportedly fell into deep emotional turmoil after a failed romantic pursuit involving a male co-worker identified as Divij Prabhakar. According to investigators, her unreciprocated feelings for Divij allegedly pushed her into an emotional spiral that led to a series of hoax communications and online harassment campaigns.

Sources cited by the Times of India reported that Rene created over 700 fake email accounts and used more than 80 phone numbers across 11 states to send anonymous threats and misleading messages to various individuals and institutions.

In one chilling email, she claimed responsibility for the Air India crash, apparently in a bid to get attention from her former colleague — an act that police now describe as part of a misguided “revenge fantasy.”

The Arrest: Cyber Police Step In

The Indian Cyber Crime Unit and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) traced the source of the messages to Rene’s residence in Chennai. She was arrested after digital forensics experts matched her laptop’s metadata with several of the threatening emails. During interrogation, Rene allegedly admitted to sending the messages but denied having any real involvement in the Air India crash.

Investigators say her motives were not related to terrorism or organized crime but rather a psychological breakdown tied to personal rejection. Despite this, the scale of her online deception led to serious national security concerns.

No Conviction Yet: The Legal Process Continues

Contrary to viral social media claims, Rene Joshilda has not been convicted of any crime at this time. Her case remains under investigation, and she has only been charged with cyber-crime and hoax communication offences under India’s Information Technology Act.

Legal analysts caution against drawing conclusions until a formal court verdict is issued. Under Indian law, an arrest or confession does not equal guilt until confirmed by a competent court. Reports from the Madras High Court suggest that pre-trial hearings are still ongoing, and Rene’s mental health evaluations are part of the evidence being reviewed.

Air India Crash Investigation: Separate from the Hoax Claims

The crash of Air India Flight AI-171 remains under separate investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Preliminary findings point toward mechanical failure in one of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s hydraulic systems — not any deliberate act of sabotage.

This means that while Rene’s emails falsely claimed responsibility, there is no factual link between her actions and the actual crash. Aviation experts have emphasized that misinformation following major accidents can significantly disrupt rescue and investigative efforts, as it did in this case.

Public Reaction: Shock, Sympathy, and Outrage

The Indian public reacted strongly to the revelation of a tech expert faking terror-linked threats. Social media users expressed mixed emotions — anger at the disruption caused, but also sympathy for the mental health issues that may have driven Rene’s actions. Many called for reforms in online behavior and digital mental health awareness in workplaces.

Meanwhile, some politicians used the case to highlight the growing challenges of cybersecurity and emotional instability in high-pressure tech industries.

International Implications and Media Frenzy

The story gained traction globally, with international outlets reporting it as an example of how cybercrime and emotional distress can intersect dangerously in the digital era. The Guardian and the Economic Times both covered the bizarre sequence of events, emphasizing that the emails were hoaxes and the woman’s claims were not supported by evidence.

Indian police have also warned the public against spreading unverified claims, noting that viral misinformation can damage ongoing investigations.

Mental Health and Accountability

The case has also reignited debates around mental health in India’s tech workforce. Several psychologists interviewed by local media stressed that Rene’s behavior reflected untreated trauma, not terrorism. However, others argue that personal distress does not excuse deliberate acts that cause public panic.

Experts suggest a balanced approach — holding offenders accountable while providing rehabilitation options for mental illness. The court’s decision will likely set an important precedent for how India treats similar cyber-related emotional offences in the future.

Other News Making Headlines on DocuNews Central

While Rene’s story dominates headlines, several other political and national developments are also shaping the conversation across Africa and beyond. You can read related stories here on DocuNews Central:

Conclusion

The case of Rene Joshilda — the female engineer who falsely claimed responsibility for the Air India plane crash — highlights the dangers of misinformation, emotional distress, and cyber manipulation in a connected world. Though she remains in custody and faces legal proceedings, she has not been convicted of any crime related to the tragedy.

As India awaits the court’s decision, the story serves as a powerful reminder that in the digital age, emotions amplified online can have real-world consequences. It also underscores the need for empathy, accountability, and responsible media coverage — values that DocuNews Central continues to uphold in its reporting.

For continuous updates on this story and other major headlines, visit DocuNewsCentral.com