Nine days after the catastrophic crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, forensic teams and authorities continue the delicate and emotionally charged task of identifying victims through DNA analysis. Of the 242 onboard and 29 people killed on the ground, 231 DNA samples have been matched and 210 bodies returned to families. However, eight cases remain unresolved due to non-matching initial samples. Among the identified victims is Ahmedabad-based filmmaker Mahesh Jirawala, whose death has been confirmed through DNA, CCTV evidence, and recovered belongings. The incident has sparked widespread mourning, particularly in Maharashtra, where the crew was laid to rest with public tributes.
Ongoing Identification Through DNA Evidence
The scale and severity of the June 12 disaster, in which a London-bound aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, has made identification efforts particularly complex. Many of the deceased were burned or disfigured beyond recognition, requiring forensic experts to rely on DNA profiling to confirm identities before releasing bodies to their next of kin.
According to Rakesh Joshi, Medical Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, DNA testing is being carried out with meticulous care. "Unless there is a confirmed match, bodies cannot be released to the families," he said. "If one sibling’s sample fails to match, we request additional samples from another biological relative, such as a parent or child."
Authorities have processed 231 DNA matches to date and have successfully handed over 210 bodies. In eight instances, initial samples failed, prompting requests for further testing from other relatives.
The Case of Mahesh Jirawala: A Life Interrupted
Among the confirmed victims is 34-year-old Mahesh Jirawala, an Ahmedabad-based filmmaker also known by his professional name, Mahesh Kalavadiya. He was not a passenger but happened to be near the crash site on his two-wheeler when the aircraft plunged into a hostel complex in the Meghaninagar area, killing 29 people on the ground.
Jirawala had last spoken to his wife, Hetal, around 1:14 p.m. on the day of the crash, saying he was returning home from a meeting. His phone went dead shortly after. Concerned by his disappearance, the family contacted police, who traced his last mobile location to just 700 meters from the crash site.
In addition to DNA results, investigators presented CCTV footage and the remains of Jirawala’s scooter—its chassis and engine number matched registration records—to corroborate the identification and bring clarity to his grieving family.
Emotional Farewells Across Maharashtra
As identities are confirmed, communities across India are mourning their losses. In Badlapur, the remains of 34-year-old crew member Deepak Pathak were received by his family following a nine-day wait for DNA confirmation. Pathak had served Air India for 11 years and was cremated amidst a solemn procession attended by thousands, including colleagues, neighbors, and public figures.
Similarly, the body of 22-year-old Irfan Shaikh was returned to his family in Pimpri-Chinchwad. Shaikh, also a crew member, was honored at a gravesite in Nehru Nagar, where friends, relatives, and political leaders joined to pay their respects.
Institutional Coordination and Forensic Efforts
The identification process has involved collaboration between Forensic Science University, local administrative bodies, law enforcement, and multiple state health departments. The complex nature of the disaster and the need to honor both scientific accuracy and emotional sensitivity have added significant pressure to authorities managing the aftermath.
Officials confirm that the entire operation is being conducted under strict legal and ethical oversight, given the high-stakes nature of identifying victims and providing families with closure. Speed and sensitivity remain paramount, as relatives await the return of their loved ones to perform final rites.
Conclusion: The Human Cost of Catastrophe
The tragedy of flight AI-171 extends beyond statistics. Behind each DNA sample is a life remembered, a family shattered, and a community in mourning. While forensic science offers answers, the emotional toll remains profound. As authorities continue to identify the remaining victims, the process serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost embedded within every disaster. The resilience of the families and the dedication of forensic teams working around the clock are testaments to the enduring human spirit in the face of incomprehensible loss.
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