Victim Identification – News Analysis India

MEA Addresses Concerns Over Air India Crash Victim Identification, Collaborates with UK Authorities

News Analysis India — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated it is working with UK authorities to address any concerns that have arisen following reports of potential misidentification of victims from the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. Responding to media inquiries about a Daily Mail report, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the identification of victims was carried out according to established protocols and technical requirements. The MEA also assured that the handling of mortal remains was conducted with utmost professionalism and respect. The Daily Mail report highlighted instances of mistaken identity, including cases where families received the wrong remains. The London-bound Air India AI-171 flight crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, resulting in 260 fatalities. Authorities had previously identified the majority of bodies through DNA sampling and facial recognition, handing them over to the families.

Air India Crash: DNA Matching Complete for 87 Victims, 47 Bodies Released

News Analysis India — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Additional Medical Superintendent of Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital announced that DNA matching has been finalized for 87 individuals, corresponding to 92 samples due to some duplication, in the Air India plane crash. Dr. Rajnish Patel confirmed that 47 bodies have been sent to various districts. The districts receiving the bodies include Kheda, Ahmedabad, Kota, Mahesana, Bharuch, Vadodara, Aravalli, Anand, Junagarh, Bhavnagar, Amreli, and Mahisagar. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, resulting in 241 fatalities, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. An expert from the UK inspected the crash site and noted the visible damage. Former Chief Minister Rupani will be cremated in Rajkot with full state honors. The Tricolour will be draped over his remains, and approximately 2,000 kilograms of flowers will decorate the hearse. Authorities are committed to handling the remaining bodies with respect. The crash claimed 241 of the 242 people on board; a lone survivor is receiving treatment. Additionally, 33 others, including local residents and MBBS students, perished as the plane hit a doctor’s hostel.

Air India Plane Crash: DNA Matches Confirmed, Bodies Handed Over, Says Gujarat Minister

News Analysis India — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced that DNA samples from 125 victims of the Air India plane crash had been successfully matched. Families of 124 deceased individuals have been contacted. The remains of 83 victims have been given to their families. Sanghavi visited the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar, where the DNA testing was conducted by teams from the FSL and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU). He commended the teams’ tireless efforts, highlighting their round-the-clock work. As of 10:58 pm, 131 DNA matches were completed, with six more certificates soon to be sent to the Civil Hospital. Senior police and FSL officers have been present to oversee the process. Teams worked through the night for three days to expedite the process of matching DNA samples and returning remains to the families. The Gujarat government coordinated with the Civil Hospital to ensure effective communication. Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, stated that DNA verification had been completed for 119 individuals. The remains of 14 more will be handed over by the next morning. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, resulting in 241 fatalities, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.