Mohammad Shethwala and his wife Sadikabanu Tapeliwala sold everything and borrowed money to fund a move from India to Britain, according to multiple reports. Tapeliwala was admitted for a Masters at Ulster University's London campus. Shethwala joined her in Britain as a dependant. The couple's move was financed by selling jewellery and borrowing from neighbours. Shethwala's father earned Rs 10,000-15,000 per month, and Tapeliwala's father sold goods door-to-door by bicycle, according to reports.
The couple worked relentlessly in Britain; Shethwala took multiple jobs including delivery work. They spent their first year paying back debt to neighbours and friends. After paying debts, they were able to support both families. The couple initially did not plan to settle permanently in Britain but later decided to settle. By spring 2025, Tapeliwala had secured work and was preparing to switch to a Skilled Worker visa, according to reports.
On 12 June last year, Air India Flight 171 crashed near an airport in western India shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people, including Tapeliwala and two-year-old Fatima. Shethwala was in London at the time of the crash. The family had traveled to India for a wedding; Shethwala stayed behind due to work, according to reports.
According to The Independent, Mohammad Shethwala described losing his family and wanting to hold on to the dream they had built together. He said they did not have money for education in the UK and relied on loans from neighbours and selling jewellery. He also described how, after spending time in Britain, they decided to settle there because they could support both families, which they could not have done in India.
Shethwala now faces the prospect of being forced to leave the UK. His current immigration status and the specific legal action he faces remain unclear. It is not known whether he has applied for any visa or leave to remain based on his family circumstances, or what support he has received from the UK government or community after the crash.