Miten Patel expresses concern for his family and others regarding burial mix-ups after a tragic Air India crash.
Misidentified Remains in Air India Crash Stir Familial Heartache
Misidentified Remains in Air India Crash Stir Familial Heartache
The son of a crash victim reveals distress over potentially mixed remains returned to families.
Miten Patel, the son of a woman who perished in the tragic Air India plane crash, has spoken out about the unsettling discovery of "other remains" found in his mother’s casket when her body was returned to the UK. His mother, Shobhana Patel, along with his father Ashok, tragically lost their lives when the plane crashed shortly after take-off in early June, claiming 260 lives.
According to Patel, the coroner identified mixed remains, leading him to question the integrity of the identification process: "How many others are in there?" Reports surfaced recently that indicated some families in the UK received the wrong bodies, raising alarms about the handling of remains from the devastating incident.
India's foreign ministry responded, asserting that all remains were treated with "utmost professionalism" and dignity, and they are collaborating with UK authorities to resolve related concerns. A spokesperson from the UK government emphasized that the formal identification of bodies is under the jurisdiction of Indian authorities while reaffirming their commitment to support the coronial process alongside the Government of Gujarat and the Government of India.
The Patels were returning home to visit their family on June 12 when the tragedy occurred. Miten shared his distress, noting the mix-up is "very upsetting" while recognizing that errors can happen under intense pressure. However, he insisted on the crucial need for accountability in ensuring that the correct bodies are sent to bereaved families.
The Daily Mail also highlighted two instances where families reportedly received the wrong remains: one family received an entirely different body, while another case involved multiple remains grouped together in a single casket. India's foreign ministry acknowledged awareness of the reports and stated they were working closely with the UK side to address such issues from the outset.
A lawyer representing several affected families anticipates UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to confront Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about these pressing matters during his imminent visit to the UK, insisting that families deserve swift answers and assurances regarding the remains of their loved ones.
The UK’s Foreign Office confirmed ongoing support for the relatives, detailing the allocation of dedicated caseworkers and Family Liaison Officer services for those who have requested assistance. Amid the grief and uncertainty, families continue to seek clarity on the tragic event and the treatment of their loved ones' remains.
