Miten Patel, son of Air India crash victims, reports that incorrect remains were found in his mother’s casket, highlighting potential errors in the handling of bodies after the June disaster that killed 260. India's foreign ministry states they are addressing concerns with UK officials while expressing commitment to professionalism in recovery efforts.
Mix-Up in Air India Crash Victims' Remains Raises Concerns
Mix-Up in Air India Crash Victims' Remains Raises Concerns
Son of a crash victim reports discovery of mismatched remains in the returned casket, prompting scrutiny over identification protocols.
Miten Patel, whose parents Ashok and Shobhana were among the victims of the tragic Air India crash, has revealed a disturbing mix-up regarding the remains of his mother that were returned to the UK. Patel stated that upon receiving Shobhana's casket, it contained "other remains" and this has sparked deep concern about the accuracy and protocols used to identify the victims.
After the ill-fated flight AI171 crashed shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad on June 12, which claimed the lives of 260 people, Patel's family was among the first to have their loved ones returned home. The identification process has come under scrutiny following reports, including one from The Daily Mail, suggesting that not only were wrong bodies sent back, but also caskets containing remains of multiple individuals.
Miten expressed his distress about the discovery of additional remains in his mother's casket, reflecting a widespread anxiety: "How do I know there aren't other remains in there with her?" He acknowledged the challenges faced by authorities in the aftermath of such a catastrophic event but stressed the importance of ensuring accuracy in the return of remains to grieving families.
In response to these allegations, India's foreign ministry asserted that the identification of victims was conducted following established protocols and with respect for the deceased. They confirmed they are collaborating with UK officials to clarify and address the issues surfacing from the crash's aftermath.
As investigations continue into the tragic incident and its aftermath, families of the deceased are left grappling with the inherent pain of loss while navigating the added complexity of potential errors in the identification of their loved ones.
