MEA Responds To Air India Crash Remains Mix-Up: 'Protocols Were Followed'

The Government of India has responded to growing concerns from bereaved families in the United Kingdom who received incorrect remains of their relatives following the Air India crash on 12 June. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that identification procedures were carried out as per established protocols and that all remains were handled with dignity and professionalism.

In a formal statement issued on 23 July 2025, MEA spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal said:

“We have seen the report and have been working closely with the UK side from the moment these concerns and issues were brought to our attention. In the wake of the tragic crash, the concerned authorities had carried out identification of victims as per established protocols and technical requirements. All mortal remains were handled with utmost professionalism and with due regard for the dignity of the deceased. We are continuing to work with the UK authorities on addressing any concerns related to this issue.”

According to a report published by India Today, the remains of the victims were identified through DNA sampling conducted at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. The hospital contacted relatives to collect samples, and once identification was confirmed, the remains were placed in sealed coffins and handed over to the next of kin. The identification process was managed entirely by the hospital, as many of the bodies had been severely burnt in the crash.

Errors Emerge During Repatriation to UK, Families Demand Accountability

Air India did not participate in the identification but was responsible for the transportation of remains and provided logistical support through Kenyons International Emergency Services, a crisis management agency engaged to assist grieving families during the repatriation process.

However, the process came under scrutiny after British authorities carried out further DNA verification upon the remains' arrival in the UK. At least two families reported serious errors, one was forced to cancel funeral arrangements after discovering the coffin did not contain their relative, while another received a single coffin containing the mixed remains of two individuals, requiring separation before burial.

According to additional reporting by the Daily Mail, several troubling developments have emerged regarding the identification and repatriation process. One family, referred to as “Family X”, was left “in limbo” after receiving the wrong remains. Another received a casket containing the remains of more than one victim, which had to be separated before burial. The errors were uncovered when British coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox conducted DNA testing on the repatriated bodies and subsequently opened and adjourned inquests into 12 deaths.

Aviation lawyer James Healy-Pratt, representing several British families, has begun an investigation into the identification process, reportedly describing the chain of custody as “unacceptably poor.” He stated that families deserve a full explanation and accountability. British disaster victim identification experts were deployed to Ahmedabad to observe local processes and support UK efforts.

UK Leaders and Families Press for Full Inquiry as Crash Probe Continues

One bereaved relative, Altaf Taju from Blackburn, whose family was not affected due to early burial in India, was quoted by the Daily Mail criticising the lack of transparency, as he said, “They just said, ‘This is your mother or father,’ and gave us a paper label with an ID number on it. We had to take their word for it.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to raise these concerns with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s visit to Britain. Families have also reached out to their MPs and senior UK government officials seeking redress.

Approximately 10 to 13 sets of remains were repatriated to the United Kingdom, the India Today reported. Some victims were buried or cremated in India according to religious customs. In many instances, families were unable to view the remains due to their condition and had to rely on identification conducted through DNA testing and accompanying official documentation.

The incident has caused distress among the families involved, with some left without any remains to bury. Calls have been made for a full inquiry into the handling of the bodies, including how the identification process was conducted and monitored from recovery at the crash site to release.

Crash Details and Ongoing Investigation

Flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off on 12 June, striking a medical hostel near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The disaster claimed 260 lives, including 52 British nationals. One British-Indian passenger survived the crash.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has released a preliminary report and is currently analysing black box data, which includes recordings from the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder, in addition to examining physical evidence from the wreckage.

Indian authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to transparency and cooperation throughout the investigation. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that engagement with UK authorities is ongoing to resolve any outstanding concerns from the families affected.