Following the devastating Air India plane crash, a family is grappling with distress after discovering mixed-up remains in the returned casket of a deceased loved one. While the Indian government asserts that bodies were handled with professionalism, concerns about the identification process are prompting calls for answers.
Air India Crash Aftermath: Mixed-Up Remains Cause Family Distress
Air India Crash Aftermath: Mixed-Up Remains Cause Family Distress
A tragic mix-up in remains returned from the Air India crash raises urgent concerns and calls for accountability.
The son of a woman killed in the tragic Air India plane crash expressed his deep distress after discovering that "other remains" were found in his mother’s casket upon her return to the UK. Miten Patel, whose parents perished in the June crash, reported that the coroner identified mixed remains among those of Shobhana Patel, prompting him to question the integrity of the identification process: "How many others are in there?"
Reports indicate that the return of wrong bodies to grieving families has occurred, sparking outrage and fears of further mix-ups. The crash, which claimed the lives of 260 people shortly after take-off in early June, has left families grappling with grief, compounded by uncertainty regarding the fate of their loved ones.
Despite allegations, India's foreign ministry maintained that all remains were treated with "utmost professionalism" and dignity, coordinating closely with UK officials to address the concerns brought forth. A spokesperson for the UK government clarified that the formal identification responsibility lies with Indian authorities while ongoing discussions with the Government of Gujarat continue.
Ashok and Shobhana Patel were returning to the UK to visit their family when the tragic accident occurred. Miten voiced his frustration regarding the mix-up but acknowledged the challenging circumstances under which the identification was carried out, emphasizing the need for accountability: "There has to be a level of responsibility that you're sending the right bodies to the UK."
Media reports cited incidents where families allegedly received entirely different bodies or caskets containing remains of multiple individuals. The Indian foreign ministry has recognized these reports and claimed to be working collaboratively with the UK to resolve any arising issues.
Families affected by the disaster expect serious discussions around this sensitive issue during UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's upcoming meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The families deserve urgent answers and assurances about the whereabouts of their loved ones," stated a lawyer representing many of these families.
The UK's Foreign Office further reassured that they are providing dedicated support to the affected relatives and have assigned caseworkers to assist families who wish to seek closure.
