India Refutes UK Media Claims Over Misidentified Air India Crash Victim Remains
British families affected by the Air India Flight AI 171 crash alleged they received the wrong bodies of their loved ones following DNA verification in the UK. Indian authorities, however, firmly rejected these claims, insisting that identification followed stringent protocols and was conducted with professionalism and dignity.
Background of the Crash
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171—operating a Boeing 787‑8 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick—crashed shortly after takeoff. All 241 onboard, including 52 British nationals, perished, along with 19 people on the ground. Only one person survived the accident.
UK Families’ Allegations
British media and aviation lawyer James Healy‑Pratt reported at least two cases where remains repatriated to the UK were misidentified:
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In one case, DNA tests revealed the body in a coffin belonged to someone else, forcing a family to cancel funeral plans.
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In another, a coffin contained commingled remains from more than one victim, which had to be separated post-arrival.
Healy‑Pratt described the situation as “double psychological trauma,” emphasizing the families’ demand for transparency and closure.
India’s Official Response
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), through spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, categorically denied any mishandling. The MEA reaffirmed that victim identification adhered to “established protocols and technical requirements,” handled “with utmost professionalism and due regard for the dignity of the deceased.” They stressed that India has been working “closely with the UK side” since concerns were raised.
Indian authorities noted that the identification process, including DNA testing and facial recognition, was conducted at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Of the 260 fatalities, all bodies were reportedly identified and matched before repatriation.
Ongoing Concerns and Investigations
Despite official assurances, UK disaster victim identification experts have been deployed to Ahmedabad to audit and better understand mortuary practices, DNA protocols, and in‑country processing. British authorities, including senior coroner Fiona Wilcox, have initiated inquests to reconcile discrepancies and ensure accountability.
Law firm Stewarts, representing UK families, has further accused Air India of applying pressure to sign complex compensation forms under difficult conditions, without sufficient legal clarity.
Context in Broader Investigation
These allegations come amid scrutiny of media coverage, with Indian authorities cautioning against speculative reporting while the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) continues its probe into the crash. The AAIB recently warned foreign media against irresponsible conclusions and reiterated that no individual has been blamed pending final investigation results, expected in late 2026.
Summary of Key Points
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Allegations | Two UK families reportedly received wrong or mixed remains based on DNA verification |
| Legal representation | James Healy‑Pratt and law firm Stewarts represent affected families |
| MEA stance | Denies errors; confirms procedural integrity and ongoing coordination with UK |
| Investigation | UK experts deployed; coroner’s inquests opened for affected cases |
| Media warnings | AAIB urges restraint; investigation still underway |
The controversy over misidentified mortal remains has heightened the emotional trauma for British families already grieving over Air India Flight AI 171’s tragic loss. While India maintains that identification protocols were strictly followed, affected families—and UK authorities—are pressing for thorough reviews and assurances. As investigations continue, the issue underscores the critical need for transparency and procedural clarity in disaster victim identification across borders.
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