In a distressing revelation following the Air India plane crash that took the lives of 260 people, Miten Patel, son of victim Shobhana Patel, has expressed profound concern over the identification of remains returned to the UK. Upon receiving his mother’s casket, Patel discovered that "other remains" had been incorrectly identified, prompting him to question the integrity of the identification process. He remarked, “How many others are in there?”
Reports surfaced in the Daily Mail highlighting several cases in which victims' bodies may have been returned to the wrong family members. In one instance, an entire family reportedly received the wrong body, while in another, multiple remains were found in a single casket. Given these claims, Patel’s frustrations echo through the families affected, as they demand clarity and accountability.
India's foreign ministry confirmed awareness of the situation and stated they are collaborating closely with UK officials to resolve these concerns. A spokesperson emphasized that identification protocols were correctly followed, asserting, “All mortal remains were handled with utmost professionalism.”
The emotional turmoil faced by the families continues, with a lawyer representing them expecting UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to address these serious issues with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an upcoming visit to the UK. Family representatives express urgency for answers, particularly given the tumultuous nature of the identification process.
The UK’s Foreign Office is committed to supporting the affected families, ensuring dedicated caseworkers and Family Liaison Officers are available to those who seek assistance. The ongoing investigation into the crash holds substantial emotional weight, emphasizing the need for meticulous care in identifying remains and a transparent process for distraught families seeking closure.
