'Mortal remains were handled with utmost professionalism': MEA on report claiming wrong bodies sent to 2 UK families

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. (File photo)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday addressed a foreign media report alleging that the British families of 2 victims, who died in the recent Air India plane crash, received the wrong body.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India has been working closely with UK authorities since the issue was brought to their attention.

Addressing media questions over the issue, 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."

Our response to media queries regarding a report in the Daily Mail on the Air India crash⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/pTWIIMSBhi pic.twitter.com/IP9QgLNuz7

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 23, 2025

"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,” he added.

Also Read: Air India crash: British families of 2 victims received wrong bodies, says report

According to a report by the Daily Mail, the families of two British nationals who died in the Ahmedabad plane crash on June 12 claimed that they have received wrong bodies of their loved ones.

James Healy, the lawyer representing the British families, told the publication that 12 to 13 sets of human remains were repatriated to the United Kingdom after the crash of Air India flight AI171. Of those, two families were informed, following DNA analysis, that the remains they received were not those of their relatives.

The lawyer also told the Daily Mail that they were waiting for a formal response from Air India and its emergency response contractors, Kenyons International Emergency Services, on the matter.