Air India crash: Families demand probe into remains mix-up
Miten Patel calls for formal investigation into Air India Flight AI171 crash and mishandling of victims' remains.
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Families of British citizens killed in the Air India plane crash on 12 June 2025 are demanding a formal investigation into the incident and the subsequent handling of victims' remains. Miten Patel, whose parents Ashok and Shobhana Patel were among the 260 people who died, has written an open letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham detailing the "catastrophic handling" of the aftermath.
The Air India flight crashed shortly after departing Ahmedabad Airport in western India, with Gatwick as its destination. One passenger survived the incident. Following the return of his parents' remains to the UK, Mr Patel was informed that his mother's casket contained the remains of another individual. He described this discovery, confirmed by UK post-mortem CT scans, as a "violation of human dignity."
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Call for investigation and accountability
In his letter, Mr Patel urged Prime Minister Burnham to demonstrate the same commitment to truth and accountability that he showed to the Hillsborough families. He requested that the UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch formally investigate the crash. Additionally, he called for a "bilateral inquiry" into the "mishandling" of victims' remains. Mr Patel stated that for 15 months, families have faced "a wall of institutional silence" and a "severe lack of communication."
Indian authorities are responsible for the formal investigation and identification of bodies due to the crash location. A government spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with all the families and loved ones of the victims in this tragic accident. The Foreign Office continues to provide support to each family in need of help, including dedicated consular caseworkers, and we remain in contact with the Indian authorities."
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Questions this report answers
+What happened to Miten Patel's parents?
Miten Patel's parents, Ashok and Shobhana Patel, were among the 260 people who died when an Air India plane crashed shortly after departing Ahmedabad Airport for Gatwick on 12 June 2025.
+What issue has Miten Patel raised about the remains?
Miten Patel was informed that his mother's casket contained another person's remains. He described this as a violation of human dignity and highlighted the severe lack of communication with families.
+What is Miten Patel asking the Prime Minister to do?
Miten Patel has written an open letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him to ensure a formal investigation into the Air India crash by the UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch and a bilateral inquiry into the mishandling of victims' remains.
+What support are the families receiving?
A government spokesperson stated that the Foreign Office continues to provide support to affected families, including dedicated consular caseworkers, and remains in contact with the Indian authorities.
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