In the wake of a Daily Mail report alleging cases of mistaken identity involving the victims of the tragic Air India AI-171 plane crash in Ahmedabad, the Indian government has responded, asserting that all mortal remains were identified and handled according to international standards. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that India is actively coordinating with UK authorities to address any emerging concerns.

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 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.”

The Daily Mail report mentioned two instances where families in the UK were allegedly informed about identity mismatches. In one case, funeral proceedings were paused after the family was told the coffin did not contain their relative’s remains. In another, remains of multiple individuals were mistakenly placed in one casket. The publication also hinted at the possibility of more such errors.

The fatal incident occurred on June 12 when the London-bound Air India AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft collided with the BJ Medical College hostel complex in Meghani Nagar, killing all 260 people onboard.

Following the crash, authorities in India undertook extensive efforts to identify the deceased. According to Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Medical Superintendent of the Civil Hospital, 254 victims were identified via DNA testing, while six were recognized through facial identification. All remains were subsequently handed over to their respective families.

Joshi clarified, “241 of the deceased were passengers and 19 were non-passengers. We ensured proper protocol was followed throughout the identification and handover process.”

In response to the accident, the Ministry of Civil Aviation introduced new draft regulations on June 18 titled Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025. These rules aim to empower authorities to swiftly act against any structures—including buildings and trees—that may obstruct aircraft pathways, thereby enhancing flight safety and preventing future mishaps.

The Indian government continues to monitor the situation closely and remains in contact with UK officials to ensure all concerns are addressed comprehensively and sensitively.