Two 3D models have sparked outrage for their depictions of the deadly Air India crash that killed 241 people in June. One showed the plane stuck in the entry gate, while the other recreated the crash site’s burnt buildings and rescue workers. Amassing nine million views on Instagram, the video of the models drew fierce criticism from people in the comments.
One wrote: “This is not any kind of theme! Many families lost their loved ones in this tragic incident, it may hurt them.” Another commented: “This hurts the sentiments of the people who have lost their loved ones. Could have opted for any other theme. No matter how great the art is behind the making, but still heart over art.”
A third added: “In my opinion, this is not a theme to reconstruct. Or display…people have lost lives in horrific manner. Many will recall sad memories…the impact of this incident was shocking n fearful.”
The models are known as pandals – temporary structures set up to show respect to Hindu gods and goddesses, such as Ganesha during Ganesh Chaturthi, Krishna during Krishna Janmasthami, or Durga during Durga Puja.
The Air India ones were both Ganesh Chaturthi pandals.
Aviation expert Vinamra Longani also slammed them as “beyond distasteful”.
He wrote on X: “A Ganpati pandal themed around the @airindia crash is not creative. It’s deeply disrespectful to the victims, their families, and the entire aviation community.”
The organisers of the event that displayed the models defended their decision, saying they were not aimed to be offensive but rather to be symbolic.
One member told Times of India: “We wanted to honour those who lost their lives and also remind people that even in disaster, faith shows the way forward.
“The contrast of the wreckage outside and Bappa’s calm inside represents strength and continuity.”
