India Engaged with UK Over Alleged Misidentification of Air India Crash Victims

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday confirmed that India is working in close coordination with British authorities to address concerns over the alleged misidentification of remains repatriated after the Air India flight AI171 crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad.

The tragic crash claimed the lives of 241 out of 242 people onboard a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which had just taken off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London. The plane crashed into the BJ Medical College’s residential quarters, triggering a devastating fire. Only one individual survived the crash.

MEA Responds to Misidentification Allegations

Responding to media queries, MEA spokesperson 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 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 UK authorities on addressing any concerns related to this issue.”

DNA Testing Sparks Concerns

The clarification from the MEA comes after UK-based lawyer James Healy, representing two affected families, raised serious concerns regarding the mismatch of DNA test results with the remains sent back to his clients. Healy claimed that of the 12–13 sets of human remains returned to the UK, at least two showed discrepancies when compared with the victims' family DNA.

British Authorities Review the Case

British officials are reportedly reviewing the evidence and findings provided by the families. Meanwhile, Indian authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to full cooperation in resolving the matter.