Images available with NDTV show a large cloth being removed from a tube attached to the lavatory system on board AI-126, the Boeing 777-300ER jetliner which had to return to Chicago on March 5 after the majority of its lavatories on board were choked.

A second picture (above) indicates that plastic waste had also been flushed down one of the toilets on the aircraft.

The images sourced by NDTV include two unrelated images (above) from separate Air India flights which have operated within the last two weeks.

One of the images shows an entire blanket being pulled out from an aircraft plumbing tube while a final image appears to show an item of clothing in a tube.

On March 5, the Air India Boeing 777 was flying over Greenland when most of its 12 toilets broke down. There were 300 passengers on board at the time.

The jetliner was forced to return to Chicago after having flown for approximately five hours.

In a statement, Air India said, “Upon landing in Chicago, all passengers and crew disembarked normally and have been provided with accommodation to minimise inconvenience.”

Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra commented on the rare gold smuggling case involving actress Ranya Rao, arrested for smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold. He indicated potential involvement of ministers and assured a deep CBI investigation. BJP leader Bharath Shetty highlighted attempts to involve Congress ministers, and the State Industrial Board clarified the land allotment to Rao’s linked company.

Political parties have historically had a complicated relationship with CAG reports, intensifying around elections. The reports have been used both as ammunition by the opposition and concealed by ruling parties. Key examples include the 2G and coal block ‘scams’ which led to UPA’s downfall.