The aftermath of the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad continues to unfold, with families of the 260 victims grappling with not only the loss of their loved ones but also with frustrating delays in receiving adequate compensation. The June 12th crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, has prompted grief and investigations into the cause of the disaster.

Adding to the distress, a leading US attorney representing over 65 of the affected families has voiced strong criticism against the "bureaucratic process" hindering the disbursement of aid. Mike Andrews stated that such delays would likely not be happening if Ratan Tata, the former chairman of the Tata Group, was still alive. Andrews highlighted Tata's renowned compassion and dedication to employee welfare, suggesting that his presence would have ensured a more streamlined and empathetic response to the victims' families.

"Even in the US, we know who Ratan Tata was," Andrews told ANI. "We know a little bit in the US about his work ethic and his focus on being humble and taking care of his employees and so we know that if he were here today, we don't believe employees and victims and people who were on the aeroplane and on the ground would be subjected to a bureaucratic process in which they're delayed payment".

Air India has released an interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the families of 147 of the 229 passengers who died in the crash, as well as to the families of the 19 people who died on the ground. These payments are to be adjusted against the final compensation amounts, which are yet to be determined.

The Tata Group has also established 'The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust' in memory of the victims. The trust has pledged an ex gratia payment of Rs 1 crore for each deceased individual. The trust will also support rebuilding damaged infrastructure at BJ Medical College Hostel and provide assistance to first responders and medical personnel affected by the tragedy.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, with assistance from experts from the UK, the US, and Boeing, continues to investigate the crash. One area of focus is the potential impact of moisture on the aircraft's systems.

In the wake of the accident, Air India has faced disruptions, including flight delays and cancellations, as deeper safety checks were ordered on its Boeing 787 fleet. The airline has also had to cancel numerous flights due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The aftermath of the crash has cast a shadow over Air India's efforts to revitalize its brand and operations since being taken over by the Tata Group in 2022. While the airline has invested heavily in new aircraft, improved services, and a brand overhaul, the crash has raised concerns about safety and service consistency.

The families of the victims are seeking transparency and a thorough investigation into the causes of the crash. "We want to know the truth, we want transparency and exactly what happened," Andrews told ANI. "These families want to know, and they deserve the respect to know what happened to their loved ones".