India responds to UK report on Air India crash victim's 'wrong body' claims

India on Wednesday responded to a British media report alleging that some UK families of victims from the Air India flight 171 crash received misidentified bodies. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Indian authorities are "working closely with the UK side" to address these "concerns and issues," reaffirming that identification protocols were followed with utmost professionalism. The response comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a two-nation tour, including a visit to the UK.

The report by Britain's Daily Mail newspaper on Tuesday claimed that DNA testing on repatriated remains revealed discrepancies in at least two caskets, meaning families had received bodies that were not their relatives. One family reportedly had to cancel funeral plans, while another found commingled remains. The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner had crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 241 onboard and 19 on the ground, with 52 British citizens among the deceased.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in response, stated, "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." He emphasized that "concerned authorities had carried out identification of victims as per established protocols and technical requirements" and that "all mortal remains were handled with utmost professionalism and with due regard for the dignity of the deceased." Jaiswal reiterated India's continued cooperation with UK authorities to address any related concerns. A top-level inquiry is reportedly underway in both countries, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expected to raise the matter with PM Modi during his UK visit.