A Vedic astrologer has been lambasted extensively online after posting old social media messages saying she had predicted an air tragedy mere days before the Air India crash in Ahmedabad that killed more than 200 people.
Sharmishtha, who presented herself as an astrology practitioner, tweeted her condolences about the tragedy. But at the same time, it seemed that she was referring to her previous predictions, and outrage followed.
It is most unfortunate that we lost so many lives in Air India crash in Ahmedabad today,” she posted. “Jupiter has not entered Ardra yet, and India’s Mars Mahadasha has not yet started, but so much has already begun… I’m not able to respond to all. Sorry about 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 India’s Mars Mahadasha is yet to begin—yet so much has already started. So many taggings, so many RTs, I’m unable to reply to everyone. Apologies for that.… https://t.co/OMMkUIaxTk
— Astro Sharmistha (@AstroSharmistha) June 12, 2025
Old Predictions Resurface
The row heated up as users unearthed her previous tweets. In a December 2024 tweet, she had penned, “Aviation industry will perform well in 2025, also plane crash news may provide us with shock. When Jupiter will be in Gemini part of Mrigashira & Ardra. safety and security will be missing.”
In a second tweet published just seven days prior to the AI-171 disaster on June 5, she once more teased turbulence in the aviation industry with references to both expansion and potential “destruction.”
Social Media Users Find It Insensitive
Several users on X were quick to denounce the astrologer’s timing and tone, referring to her commentary as insensitive and uncaring.
“With due respect, people have lost their lives in a tragic plane crash, and you’re using it to make astrological predictions? This is not the time for celestial commentary, it’s a time for empathy, accountability, and action,” one user stated.
Another individual questioned the rationale behind attributing planetary movements to a mass casualties occurrence, asking, “Did you forecast the AI171 crash using planets? So, the same kundli and planetary positions were for all 250 victims? Astrology isn’t fate, it’s a diversion.”
Accusations of Using Tragedy for Promotion
Critics also accused the astrologer of leveraging a national tragedy for self-branding. “Another lady astrologer selling a business off a tragic event,” a user commented bluntly.
While astrology is deeply ingrained in Indian culture, several users called for restraint and plain decency during times of mass tragedy.
“Can we not use astrology for this, just out of respect?” one person said. “There’s no need to be a dick, even accidentally.”
