James Uche
The son of a woman who died in the recent Air India plane crash has alleged that “other remains” were found in her casket after her body was returned to the UK.
Miten Patel, who also lost his father in the crash, told the BBC that a coroner discovered the mix-up, leaving him deeply unsettled. “How many others are in there?” he asked.
According to the Daily Mail, multiple families have raised concerns that incorrect bodies were sent home following the tragedy, which claimed 260 lives shortly after take-off in early June.
India’s foreign ministry, in response to the reports, insisted that all remains were handled with “utmost professionalism” and said it was working with UK authorities to address the situation.
Ashok and Shobhana Patel were returning to the UK on 12 June to visit their children and grandchildren when the Gatwick-bound aircraft crashed in Ahmedabad, western India. Their bodies were among the first to be repatriated.
Miten described the experience as “very upsetting,” acknowledging that while mistakes might occur under pressure, there should be a high level of responsibility.
“How do I know there aren’t other remains in the casket with her?” he questioned.
The Daily Mail reported at least two cases of errors: one involving a family receiving an entirely wrong body, and another in which the remains of multiple individuals were allegedly placed in the same casket.
In a statement, India’s foreign ministry said:
“We are aware of the report and have been working closely with the UK side since these concerns were brought to our attention. In the wake of the tragic crash, identification of victims was carried out as per established protocols and technical requirements. All mortal remains were handled with utmost professionalism and with due regard for the dignity of the deceased.”
The ministry added that efforts are ongoing with UK authorities to resolve any outstanding issues.