In a troubling development related to the Air India plane crash that claimed the lives of 260 individuals earlier this June, Miten Patel, whose mother Shobhana and father Ashok perished in the tragedy, disclosed to the BBC that "other remains" were discovered in the casket containing his mother's body upon its return to the UK. Following the crash near Ahmedabad, the Patels were among the first victims repatriated, leaving their son grappling with unsettling questions about identity mix-ups.
Miten voiced his anguish, expressing fear that other unidentified remains might also be present, stating, “How do I know there aren't other remains in the casket with her?” The Daily Mail detailed that various families have reportedly received misidentified bodies, problematizing an already painful mourning process.
In response to the airing concerns, India's foreign ministry defended the handling of the remains, assuring that all actions were undertaken with dignity and professionalism. They acknowledged the situation and confirmed ongoing collaboration with UK officials to rectify any discrepancies. A UK government representative emphasized that formal identification rests with Indian authorities, while liaison efforts continue through local representatives.
Miten Patel recounted the significance of the trip his parents were undertaking, aiming to visit family after an extended separation. Amid growing frustration, he recognized the pressures faced by officials yet underscored the necessity for accountability in managing the remains of those deceased.
The UK, meanwhile, is providing support to affected families, including dedicated caseworkers. Legal representatives of the grieving families have urged UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to address these troubling issues with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his upcoming visit to the UK, seeking clarity and commitment regarding the identification and treatment of victims’ remains. The investigation into the crash continues, raising concerns about the integrity of the recovery process.
Miten voiced his anguish, expressing fear that other unidentified remains might also be present, stating, “How do I know there aren't other remains in the casket with her?” The Daily Mail detailed that various families have reportedly received misidentified bodies, problematizing an already painful mourning process.
In response to the airing concerns, India's foreign ministry defended the handling of the remains, assuring that all actions were undertaken with dignity and professionalism. They acknowledged the situation and confirmed ongoing collaboration with UK officials to rectify any discrepancies. A UK government representative emphasized that formal identification rests with Indian authorities, while liaison efforts continue through local representatives.
Miten Patel recounted the significance of the trip his parents were undertaking, aiming to visit family after an extended separation. Amid growing frustration, he recognized the pressures faced by officials yet underscored the necessity for accountability in managing the remains of those deceased.
The UK, meanwhile, is providing support to affected families, including dedicated caseworkers. Legal representatives of the grieving families have urged UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to address these troubling issues with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his upcoming visit to the UK, seeking clarity and commitment regarding the identification and treatment of victims’ remains. The investigation into the crash continues, raising concerns about the integrity of the recovery process.
