This follows the tragic loss of 241 people on board and 19 on the ground—only one passenger survived.

Aviation lawyer James Healy‑Pratt, representing over 20 UK families, said DNA checks by London coroner Dr. Fiona Wilcox uncovered two troubling cases:

One family received a sealed coffin that contained no trace of their loved one’s DNA, forcing them to cancel funeral plans.

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Another family got a casket with commingled remains from multiple victims, necessitating separation before burial.

Healy‑Pratt described the ordeal as causing “double psychological trauma”—families not only lost loved ones but were denied the dignity of proper identification.

Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after departing Ahmedabad for London on June 12, killing 241 passengers and 19 bystanders. Among the deceased were 52 British nationals. Only Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, sat in seat 11A, survived.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs maintains that all remains were handled “with utmost professionalism” and that authorities are actively coordinating with the UK to resolve concerns.

Investigations have been launched by both UK and Indian officials. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to raise the matter during an upcoming meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“It’s one thing to lose a loved one… then you’re told there are more remains in the casket, or the wrong body entirely,” said Healy Pratt, as he emphasized the profound emotional impact left on the victims’ families.

A transparent investigation, full accountability, and assurance that no further mistakes remain is being demanded by the families.