'Scoring points on tragedy is too far': Astrologer faces backlash for linking prediction to Air India crash

As of now, Sharmistha has not issued any clarification or apology despite mounting criticism.

An astrologer came under widespread criticism after drawing a connection between her earlier social media posts and the tragic Air India plane crash that occurred in Ahmedabad on June 12. The aircraft crashed into the B J Medical College building in Meghaninagar, just outside the city’s airport, less than a minute after takeoff. The catastrophic accident resulted in the deaths of more than 250 people, leaving the country in deep shock and mourning.

The astrologer, known as Sharmistha on X (formerly Twitter), identified herself as a practitioner of astrology and shared a post on the day of the crash that many users have since called out as insensitive and opportunistic.

In her June 12 post, she wrote: “It is very unfortunate that we lost so many lives in the Air India crash in Ahmedabad.”

She continued, “Jupiter is yet to enter Ardra, and India’s Mars Mahadasha is yet to begin—yet so much has already started.”

Acknowledging the attention her post had received, she added, “So many taggings, so many RTs, I’m unable to reply to everyone. Apologies for that. Om Shanti.”

It is very unfortunate that we lost so many lives in Air India crash in Ahmedabad today. Jupiter is yet to enter Ardra, and Indias Mars Mahadasha is yet to beginyet so much has already started. So many taggings, so many RTs, Im unable to reply to everyone. Apologies for that. https://t.co/OMMkUIaxTk

Astro Sharmistha (@AstroSharmistha) June 12, 2025

The message was attached as a response to one of her earlier posts dated June 5, where she had claimed to have foreseen a disaster in the aviation sector. In that post, she stated that she remained confident about her prediction of “a plane crash and destruction in aviation in 2025.”

Tata will make Rafale fuselage in Hyderabad. This is just aviation expansion, ISRO will surprise the world in Space and satellite engineering, space tourism in coming two years. Predicted this last year via Nakshatra transit. I am still holding high the prediction of Plane crash https://t.co/WjX39R7E47Astro Sharmistha (@AstroSharmistha) June 5, 2025

Aviation sector will do better in 2025, also plane crash headlines may give us shock, predicted this two months back, check the tweet below. Already a bit betterment in aviation sector started. When Jupiter will be in Gemini part of Mrigashira & Ardra with the speed of approx

Astro Sharmistha (@AstroSharmistha) December 29, 2024

Sharmistha also cited a previous post from October 2023, where she first alluded to a “major crash hitting headlines.” Following the Jeju flight crash on December 29, 2024, she reiterated what she called a “premonition” and wrote that while aviation would do better in 2025 and flourish, “safety and security will be missing.”

Highlights of 2025,Astro Sharmistha (@AstroSharmistha) October 29, 2024

The resurfacing of her remarks following the Air India tragedy triggered an online backlash, with many accusing her of exploiting a national disaster for validation and engagement. While a few users praised her predictive abilities, the overwhelming sentiment was one of outrage over the timing and tone of her commentary.

One user commented: “I really respect you a lot for your predictions. But scoring points on tragedy is taking it too far.”

Another wrote: “Can we not use astrology for this just out of respect?”

Another reply stated: “What nonsense are you even saying? No wonder people these days call astrologers vultures.”

Several users questioned the basis of her predictions altogether. One comment read: “Did you predict the AI171 crash based on planets? So, all 250 victims had the same kundli and planetary placements? Astrology isn’t destiny—it’s a distraction. Disasters aren’t written in stars; they’re tragedies we must learn from, not exploit.”

As of now, Sharmistha has not issued any clarification or apology despite mounting criticism. Her posts remain public, continuing to draw attention from both supporters and detractors.

The Air India tragedy, now among the deadliest aviation accidents in the country’s recent history, has left a lasting impact on the national consciousness.