Even as Air India and its parent Tata Group announced swift relief measures for the victims of the June 12 crash near Ahmedabad, the ground reality tells a slower, more tangled story.
While many families have received interim compensation, others remain caught in a web of missing paperwork, incomplete documentation, and family disputes over rightful claims. For some, the process has stalled altogether due to health issues or lack of access to required documents, leaving grieving families in limbo as the three-month mark from the tragedy approaches this week.
Air India and its parent company, Tata Group, had announced interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh (approximately GBP 21,500) for the families of each deceased passenger and for the survivor, to help address immediate financial needs. Tata Sons pledged an additional Rs 1 crore (around GBP 85,000) in support.
What the airline says
The interim payout of Rs 25 lakh began reaching families on June 20. The airline has told mid-day that, so far, they have released the interim compensation to the families of 207 of the 229 deceased passengers and also the 19 who lost their lives at the accident site.
The Tata Group has also registered ‘The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust’, dedicated to the victims of the unfortunate accident. The Trust has pledged an ex gratia payment of Rs 1 crore in respect of each of the deceased, and mid-day has learnt that it is expected to be released soon as well.
But as the three-month mark from the crash approaches, some families remain without the full interim payment, while others face fresh disputes and delays.
Family caught in dispute
Among them is the family of Javed Ali Syed, a London resident who died with his wife Mariam and their two children, Amani and Zayn. Javed’s brother, Imtiaz Ali, has been handling paperwork for compensation. While their mother received the payment for Javed, a dispute has arisen over how compensation should be divided between Javed`s and Mariam’s families.
“Mariam was very close to us and also supported her family in the UK. We had planned for the compensation to be shared equally since both families lost their loved ones,” said Imtiaz. “We received the amount from Air India on August 22, which has helped a lot. Our mother has medical issues, and the money was necessary for her treatment. The only problem is how slow the process has been due to family matters. We just hope the Tata Group soon releases the rest of the compensation that was promised,” he added.
Badlapur family still waiting
In Badlapur, the family of the victim, Dipak Pathak, has yet to receive any compensation. His father, Balasaheb Pathak, told mid-day, “Both, my wife and I are unwell. Our relatives brought us to Nashik, and we don’t have any papers with us right now. Once I return to Badlapur, I will provide the necessary details. Please excuse us for now.” The family remains in limbo, awaiting both clarity and financial support.
Dombivli family seeks justice
In Dombivli, Rajendra Songhare, father of the late Rashmi Songhare, has raised serious concerns about delays and lack of communication. “We have only received Rs 23 lakh so far,” he said. “We were assured the total interim compensation would be Rs 25 lakh, but no further payment has come. There has also been no communication.”
He added that he had requested a job for his son when Air India’s HR team visited, but no progress has been made. To make matters worse, Rashmi’s personal belongings, including her bag and documents, have not been returned. “I request you to publish this so Air India and the authorities take prompt and compassionate action,” he appealed.