Air India Battles Fraud Amid Grief Following AI-171 Crash

In the aftermath of the tragic Air India AI-171 crash on June 12, which claimed the lives of 260 individuals, the airline is grappling with two significant challenges: the overwhelming grief of the victims' families and a surge of fraudulent activities targeting them. Reports have emerged indicating that multiple fake social media accounts on X (formerly known as Twitter) have been impersonating official Air India support channels, ostensibly offering assistance to the bereaved families.

A source close to the airline stated, “We have flagged multiple handles that pretended to offer assistance. We don’t want anyone to fall prey to fraudsters at such a vulnerable time.” This concern underscores the urgency of protecting families who are navigating their profound loss.

Moreover, the airline's dedicated helplines, established to support grieving families and survivors, have been inundated with calls—over 10,000 on the first day alone. While some calls conveyed genuine grief, others revealed the troubling extent of exploitation. One caller requested compensation for a designer bag allegedly lost in the crash, while another sought reimbursement for jewelry supposedly in a victim's luggage. The emotional toll on the airline’s call center staff has been significant, with reports of several employees requiring medical attention after handling distressing calls.

Following the crash, Air India announced an interim compensation of ₹25 lakh (approximately $30,000) for each deceased victim's family and a similar amount for the sole survivor. This financial support began disbursing on June 20. Additionally, Tata Sons, the parent company of Air India, pledged an extra ₹1 crore (approximately $120,000) for the next of kin of each victim, indicating a comprehensive approach to aid. A dedicated trust with a corpus of ₹500 crore (around $60 million) is also being established to ensure long-term support for the affected families.

To further assist, over 500 staff members from Air India and 17 affiliated Tata Group companies have been deployed in Ahmedabad. Each bereaved family is assigned a dedicated caregiver trained in grief management and logistics, enhancing the support structure in place during this challenging time.

In light of the circumstances, the airline is actively working to combat the fraudulent activities and provide genuine support to the grieving families, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the midst of a national tragedy. The significance of addressing both emotional and financial needs during such crises cannot be overstated, particularly in a country where air travel incidents have historically led to profound societal impacts.

As Air India navigates this dual crisis of grief and fraud, the airline’s swift response may set a precedent for how corporations manage disasters and the associated responsibilities towards their customers and communities. Stakeholders across the aviation industry are watching closely, as the implications of Air India’s actions could influence future corporate governance in crisis management.