Two UK families allege receiving the wrong bodies of loved ones from the Air India AI171 crash. MEA responds, citing professional handling. DNA mismatch raises serious concerns.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, two UK-based families have claimed they received the wrong mortal remains of their loved ones who died in the tragic Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has responded to the allegations, stating that it is working closely with UK authorities to address the matter. The crash claimed several lives, and families across countries were left grieving. However, the shock of receiving mismatched or unidentified remains has added unbearable trauma to an already tragic situation.
DNA Tests Uncover Shocking Mix-Up
James Healy, a solicitor from Keystone Law who represents the affected families in the UK, revealed that the London coroner’s office conducted standard DNA verification on the remains sent from India. The results confirmed that at least two of the repatriated coffins did not match the intended relatives.
“One family discovered the sealed coffin contained an unidentified individual, while another was horrified to learn that their coffin held a mix of remains from two different passengers,” said Healy in a statement to UK media.
According to Healy, a total of 12 to 13 sets of human remains were sent to the UK. Out of these, two families have already been informed about serious identification mistakes. In one heartbreaking case, a family was forced to cancel a funeral after being told the remains were not their loved one. Another family endured the emotionally taxing process of separating mixed remains before holding a delayed burial.
MEA Issues Statement, Affirms Professional Handling
In response to the claims, the Ministry of External Affairs said:
“In the wake of the tragic crash, the concerned authorities carried out victim identification as per established protocols and technical requirements. All mortal remains were handled with utmost professionalism and respect for the dignity of the deceased. We continue to work with the UK authorities to address any concerns.”
Role of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and Air India
Due to the charred and severely damaged state of the bodies, DNA testing was essential for accurate identification. The Ahmedabad Civil Hospital carried out the DNA tests and directly handed over the sealed coffins to the next of kin.
Sources close to the investigation emphasized that Air India had no involvement in identifying or releasing the remains. The airline only played a logistical role through a third-party agency.
Kenyons International’s Involvement
Kenyons International Emergency Services, a disaster management company contracted by Air India, offered emotional and logistical support to grieving families. However, it had no part in the physical handling or identification of the bodies, as clarified by officials.
A Call for Answers and Closure
The incident has ignited calls for a deeper investigation into the process of victim identification and the protocols followed post-crash. Families demand transparency, accountability, and, most importantly, the return of their loved ones’ actual remains so they can grieve properly and find closure.
Solicitor James Healy emphasized that the psychological toll on the affected families is immense.
“They are not only grieving a loss but also dealing with the trauma of not knowing what happened to their loved one’s remains,” he said.
This tragic case has highlighted the critical need for stringent verification processes in disaster response and post-mortem handling. As the MEA and UK authorities continue their joint investigation, families wait with heavy hearts, hoping for dignity, answers, and the chance to say a proper goodbye.