Diu Father's Shock: Son's Secret Marriage Revealed After Fatal AI171 Crash
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Mohammed Rafik Daud Arab, a resident of Diu, is grappling with profound grief and unexpected revelations following the tragic loss of his son, Faizan Rafiq, in the AI171 aeroplane crash. The young man, in his early twenties, was the pride and joy of his family in the union territory, but his untimely death has unveiled a hidden chapter that has left the family in turmoil.
Hidden Marriage Emerges After Tragedy
Speaking to TOI on Saturday, Rafiq disclosed that after his son's demise, the family was stunned to learn that Faizan had a wife. "The marriage was apparently hidden from the family, and after the last rites, the girl claimed to be Faizan's wife," he said. Faizan, who was a student in the UK, had never mentioned this relationship to his family, adding to their shock and confusion.
Compensation Dispute Intensifies Family's Anguish
The issue came to a head when compensation funds were directed to the wife instead of the family. Rafiq expressed his frustration, stating, "It was me who had brought his body from Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad to Diu and had performed the last rites. Even the compensation by the UT was given to us." He emphasized that the family has raised concerns with the airline and Tata Trust, but feels ignored. "They have not paid heed to the fact that he was with us for 20 years, and he was with the wife for six months. There was no consultation with us before deciding on the disbursal," he added.
Family Seeks Justice and Recognition
The event in Ahmedabad, where several family members of aeroplane crash victims gathered to plan future actions, highlighted the broader struggles faced by those affected. Rafiq's story underscores the emotional and legal complexities that can arise in such tragedies, as families navigate loss while dealing with unforeseen claims and bureaucratic hurdles.
This case raises important questions about compensation protocols and family rights in the aftermath of disasters, urging authorities to consider the long-term relationships and emotional bonds of victims' loved ones.
