New Delhi, July 3: Weeks after the fatal crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad, which claimed 241 lives, families of the victims have accused the airline of coercion and threats during the initial compensation process.
Relatives allege that Air India pressured them into completing a compensation questionnaire, warning that failure to comply would result in “no compensation.” Some families also claim they were forced to sign documents detailing financial dependency on the deceased, which they believe may be used to reduce payout amounts.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff, leaving only one survivor among the 242 passengers and crew on board.
In response, over 40 bereaved families in the UK and India have retained UK-based law firm Stewarts, which is now working alongside Ahmedabad-based Nanavati and Nanavati to pursue legal claims against Air India, Boeing, and other potentially liable parties.
In a statement, Stewarts said Air India forced grieving families to fill out complex questionnaires “in intense heat with no guidance,” adding that the airline has since been following up with further pressure and threats of withholding compensation.
The law firms are preparing to represent victims’ families in potential legal proceedings, as calls grow for transparency, accountability, and fair treatment of those affected by the tragedy.
