Miten Patel, whose family suffered a dual loss in the Air India crash that killed 260, has reported alarming inconsistencies regarding the remains of his mother, Shobhana Patel. Upon her return to the UK, Miten discovered that "other remains" were found mixed in her casket, raising serious concerns about the handling of the deceased in the aftermath of the tragedy. Miten expressed his agony, stating, "How many others are in there?" as he questioned whether the mix-up affected additional families.
The crash occurred in early June, with the Patel couple returning to the UK to visit their children and grandchildren when the flight met its ill fate shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, Western India. Recent reports from the Daily Mail highlighted allegations of misidentification, suggesting that some families may have received the wrong bodies altogether or that multiple remains were inappropriately grouped in single caskets.
India's foreign ministry has responded to these grave allegations, asserting that all remains were handled with "utmost professionalism" and dignity. They confirmed ongoing collaboration with UK officials amid growing concerns. A spokesperson from the UK government stated that body identification falls under Indian jurisdiction but confirmed ongoing communication with Gujarat and Indian authorities to support the ongoing coroner process.
Miten Patel acknowledged the potential for mistakes under immense pressure but asserted the necessity for accountability in ensuring proper body identification. "Sure, people were tired, but the responsibility to send the correct bodies back is paramount," he declared.
The incident has prompted calls for urgent answers from affected families. A lawyer representing many victims has indicated that they anticipate UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will engage with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over these pressing issues during his upcoming visit to the UK. The families seek reassurance and clarity regarding the fates of their loved ones.
The UK's Foreign Office remains committed to supporting grieving families, providing tailored assistance and dedicated caseworkers to address each family's needs.
