Nearly a year after Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 people, families are still waiting for answers. Imtiyaz Ali lost his brother Javed, sister-in-law Mariam, and their two children.
Imtiyaz says the family home in Mumbai feels haunted. His mother Farida Bano, a heart patient, speaks of Javed in the present tense. She was told the news in fragments to protect her health.
The official investigation report is expected soon. But for families, the waiting has been agonizing. Imtiyaz says he received delayed responses from Air India and Tata Group regarding belongings and medical support.
A recorded audio message from Javed, describing a dream of angels and roses, has brought Imtiyaz some peace. "He is at peace," he says. The family now copes with the loss in small rituals, like his mother bringing Javed's favorite foods to his grave.