Following the Air India crash, Miten Patel reveals shocking details about his late mother’s remains, urging responsibility and clarity from authorities involved in the identification process.
Son of Air India Crash Victim Raises Concerns Over Remains Identification
Son of Air India Crash Victim Raises Concerns Over Remains Identification
Miten Patel expresses distress after discovering mixed remains in his mother’s casket returned from India.
The son of Shobhana Patel, one of the victims of the devastating Air India plane crash, has reported troubling inconsistencies regarding the remains returned to families. Miten Patel shared with the BBC that "other remains" were discovered alongside his mother's body in her casket sent back to the UK, raising troubling questions about the identification process.
His father, Ashok Patel, also perished in the crash that took the lives of 260 individuals shortly after takeoff in June. Miten expressed his anguish over the situation, stating, "How many others are in there?" This sentiment follows allegations, highlighted in a Daily Mail report, that several families in the UK received the wrong bodies following the tragedy.
In response, the Indian foreign ministry affirmed that all remains had been treated with respect and professionalism. They reported ongoing collaboration with UK officials to address the identified issues. A spokesperson from the UK government confirmed that the formal identification process is within the purview of Indian authorities, emphasizing their continued cooperation with the governments involved.
Miten Patel recalled his parents’ journey back to see their sons and grandchildren, stressing the need for accountability in ensuring family members receive the correct remains. Reports have surfaced indicating that at least two families received incorrect remains – one receiving a completely different body and another containing remains of multiple victims.
As grief-stricken families seek clarity, legal representation has urged UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to bring these serious matters to the attention of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his upcoming visit. They stress that families are in urgent need of answers and assurance regarding their loved ones’ remains.
The UK's Foreign Office confirmed its ongoing support for the families, providing dedicated caseworkers and Family Liaison Officer assistance as they navigate this heart-wrenching ordeal.
