The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) on Thursday alleged that families of the victims of the Air India AI 171 plane crash are encountering difficulties in obtaining compensation. According to the pilots' body, they are being required to sign undertakings that waive future legal claims.
Press Conference Highlights
Addressing a press conference in Ahmedabad on the eve of the first anniversary of the tragedy, FIP president Captain C S Randhawa reiterated the association's demand for a judicial probe into the crash that killed 260 people.
Compensation Discrepancies
Randhawa stated that compensation payable under the Montreal Convention amounts to nearly 152,000 SDRs, equivalent to around Rs 1.82 crore. However, he alleged that several families are instead being offered only Rs 15-20 lakh. He further claimed that some families are being asked to sign affidavits waiving future legal action against Boeing and other entities connected to the aircraft.
Concerns Over Victim Treatment
Randhawa also raised concerns regarding the treatment of victims' families, alleging that some have still not received personal belongings, including mobile phones of the deceased passengers. He said the lack of transparency surrounding the investigation has added to the distress among affected families.
Opposition to Interim Report
The FIP president opposed any interim investigation report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), stating it would create further confusion and speculation. "If there is no conclusion from the investigation, releasing an interim report will only lead to more misunderstandings. The final report should be issued whenever the probe is completed," he said.
Selective Disclosure Allegations
"Are they going to release the full CVR transcript? No. Are they going to release the full EAFR transcript? No," Randhawa said, alleging that selective disclosure of cockpit recordings has fueled speculation while key investigation details remain undisclosed.
FIP's Pursuit of Justice
According to Randhawa, the FIP wrote more than 20 letters to the AAIB, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and other authorities raising concerns over the investigation and compensation process. "The objective is to prevent another such accident and ensure justice for the victims and their families," he said, adding that the FIP will continue to pursue legal and institutional remedies until all aspects of the crash are thoroughly investigated.
