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Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Indian Express
Interpol guidelines to DNA matching: The painstaking work to find Ahmedabad plane crash victims' families some closure
A crowd near the entrance of the 1,200-bed Ahmedabad Civil Hospital on June 15 piqued Rohit Patel's curiosity. Moments later, Rohit, a grizzled man in a cerulean shirt who had been perched outside the mortuary complex since June 12, followed the crowd, squeezing into a gap behind a table. At this table, three Gujarat officials were giving updates on the identification status of the June 12 air crash victims. Minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport, a London-bound Air India flight with 242 people went down, its tail striking the first-floor mess at B J Medical College and Hospital, located a kilometre away, killing 241 onboard and at least 19 people on the ground. Interrupting the officials, Rohit, who had travelled to Ahmedabad from Kheda district, around 50 km away, said, 'My nephew and his wife were on the plane. I have been at the hospital since the crash. We submitted a DNA sample on June 12. We were told their bodies would be given to us today (June 15) but now officials are saying they need more time to identify the remains.' Turning around, Dr Rajnish Patel, Additional Medical Superintendent, Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, replied, 'We (doctors and the Forensic Science Laboratory) are working as fast as possible but checking each sample carefully takes three-four days. Please come here only after you get a call from us. We will handhold you through the entire process.' With most victims charred beyond recognition, including 12 people at the crash site, confirming their identities correctly has been a formidable task. As of 11.50 am on June 20, 223 victims had been identified and 204 remains handed over to families. Officials say the final toll will be declared after the DNA profiling of all victims is complete. Even as families described the wait for the bodies as 'painful', an official at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital says, 'We are following the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) guidelines prescribed by Interpol (largest international police organisation with 196 member nations). Bodies are also being embalmed and put in sealed coffins before being handed over to kin.' The three primary identifiers, according to the 2023 DVI guidelines, are 'fingerprints, odontology (dental examination) and DNA profiling'. Secondary identifiers include 'tattoos, scars and ornaments', but are considered 'inaccurate'. Dr Jayasankar P Pillai, a forensic odontologist at Ahmedabad's Government Dental College, stepped in to help extract dental DNA and compile a dental charting of the victims. A different team profiled DNA samples later. Given the magnitude of the tragedy, Dr Pillai says he knew he needed help with the work. 'I sent a message seeking help from my current and former students. Fifty of them turned up at the hospital within hours. We began autopsies, dental examinations and DNA sample collections around 6 pm on June 12. By 4.30 am on June 13, the process was completed for most victims.' The autopsy required doctors from the Departments of Forensic Odontology and Forensic Medicine to collect samples of each victim's teeth and bones, which were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). At FSL, these samples were matched against those obtained from their relatives — the second step of identity confirmation and the gold standard. The third step — fingerprint analysis — could not be conducted since most bodies were charred in the fire that broke out after the crash. Explaining why molars were 'the best bet' to find a DNA sample in this case, Dr Pillai says, 'Teeth can usually withstand higher temperatures than our bodies. The rotation and gaps between teeth are unique to each person, like fingerprints. The melting point of a metal or ceramic crown (from a root canal treatment) is higher. Even if a tooth is destroyed, it is unlikely that the crown would be destroyed too.' In case his team found a dental crown, he says they asked the kin for the victim's dental records. 'This ante- and post-mortem comparison of dental characteristics, coupled with DNA profiling, leaves nothing to chance.' Dr Tamanna Parmar, a periodontologist, was at her clinic, nearly 15 km from the Civil Hospital, when she heard about the crash. Having completed her post-graduation from the Government Dental College in 2024, she called up her juniors in college immediately. 'They told me they had left the mess just 15 minutes before the crash.' Then, she says, she received Dr Pillai's message seeking help. Two hours later, she and two of her batch-mates were at the hospital. 'Due to barricading near the hospital, we had to park our vehicles 1 km away and walk,' she says. The mortuary complex, she says, is a sight that she will 'never forget' — the fire and rigor mortis (stiffening of the body after death) had caused many bodies to twist badly. 'It took two people to just straighten them before we could start the dental exam. I looked for dental characteristics specific to victims and made observations on dental treatments or prosthetics in their mouths,' Dr Parmar says. The DNA samples — teeth and bones — were put inside labelled containers and transferred to the FSL. DNA profiling and matching took place at two laboratories — the Directorate of Forensic Science (DFS) and the Centre of Excellence in DNA Analysis at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) — both located on the same road in Gandhinagar, around 20 km from the Civil Hospital. At NFSU, the opening of all samples was videographed for evidence, Professor (Dr) S O Junare, director, Gujarat campus, NFSU, tells The Indian Express. 'The samples were cleaned thoroughly with distilled water and chemicals to remove all traces of someone else's DNA,' he says, adding that this step was necessary because multiple persons had come in contact with the bodies — from rescue to medical personnel. Stating that extracting DNA from blood is easier, an NFSU forensic expert says, 'We powder the teeth or bones and then use the magnetic bead-based extraction method to get the DNA. This can take nearly 10 hours. To check if that sample is viable, it is run through another test (q-PCR) before profiling starts.' At this point, Dr Junare says, the team is able to ascertain the victim's gender. Diluted and using a 24-marker kit (24 genetic markers), the DNA is run through a genetic analyser to create a genetic profile. 'The entire process takes 72-96 hours,' a scientist says. Reference blood samples from living relatives — collected at B J Medical College's Kasauti Bhavan at the time of autopsies — went through the same process before the comparative analysis. 'Reference samples are matched against all deceased samples till we get a hit,' says Dr Junare. A major challenge in such tragedies, he says, is the death of an entire family. 'In these cases, we take reference blood samples from grandparents or uncles or nieces,' he says. Since DNA is measured in centimorgans (cM) to determine the closeness of the relation, the higher the cM value, the closer the degree of relation. For instance, we share around 25% of our DNA with each grandparent, say experts. In these cases, the Y chromosome short tandem repeat (Y-STR) markers and X-STR markers are used to determine paternal and maternal lineage respectively, he says. Another obstacle is determining the correct identity of siblings or identical twins belonging to the same gender. While siblings share almost 50% of their DNA, most identical twins have almost completely identical DNA. While their DNA profiling was on, the bodies of most victims were embalmed. Dr Dharmesh Patel, Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, Civil Hospital, said in a statement, 'The bodies were embalmed so that they could sustain long-distance travel.' Though most final rites took place across Gujarat, in some cases, the bodies were sent to Nagaland and even the United Kingdom. Explaining the process, Dr Patel says, 'A chemical solution (like formaldehyde) is introduced into the body to preserve it. As per legal requirements, embalming and coffin sealing certificates were issued. Each victim's belongings were also duly certified.' Dr Rakesh Joshi, Medical Superintendent, Civil Hospital, says the handing over of bodies to the families was the 'most critical part' of this process. 'Unfortunately, the body identification process is painstakingly slow, not only due to the implications it has for the family, but also the law.' Gujarat Relief Commissioner Alok Pandey had recently said that the Treasury Department was working on getting inquest reports and insurance claims ready for families 'as soon as possible'. A 24/7 help desk has also been set up by the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority (GSLSA) to help families. The most difficult identification so far has been that of minors. As per the airline manifest, 13 children aged 12 years and below were on the plane. While three had not yet turned 2 years old, the others were mostly aged between 11 and 18 years. Officials say they were able to obtain just 'partial' DNA profiles for some 'whom we suspect are minors', making an 'accurate' match difficult. Though DNA can be taken from any tooth in the case of children, accidents involving a fire complicate matters, says Dr Pillai. He explains, 'Heat degrades their front teeth. Also, children aged six years and below only have milk teeth. In such cases, we try to extract the permanent molars developing inside their jaws.' The age of minors on the manifest also helped. 'Some of these minors had developed their second molars. So we knew they were between three to six years old. That helped narrow down their identification,' he adds. (With inputs from Aditi Raja)
Mint
15-06-2025
- General
- Mint
Air India plane crash: Moments before Ahmedabad tragedy, pilot gave a final message. Here's what he said
"Thrust not achieved... falling... Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!" were the last words from the Air India Flight 171 cockpit, shortly before the plane crashed near Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, 2025, according to a report by the Times of India, citing Ahmedabad police recalling the pilot's call. The call was received at air traffic control (ATC) mere seconds before all communications stopped. High-ranking officials stated that the jet was close to finishing the 3.5km runway of the airport, which typically requires 2.5km to 3km for a wide-bodied jet. 'The longer runway roll hints at a possibility of the aircraft not having adequate thrust for take-off,' the report quoted a person aware of the development. 'The facts can be ascertained only after the black box is decoded,' it added. The report stated that no warnings were raised earlier. "There were no requests for runway changes, thrust adjustments or flap reconfigurations. Weather was stable, visibility was clear. Temperature was high, but within operational limits," it quoted a person aware of the development. As per the CCTV footage of the airport, an extended take-off was observed, while no visual or radar anomalies were seen. No engine issues or pitch inconsistencies were observed by ATC or ground staff. All communication and safety protocols were followed, the report added. Officials are currently waiting for the flight data and cockpit voice recorders to determine what led to the tragic crash. On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed shortly after takeoff in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad at around 1:40 pm, killing 241 people on board. Air India shared details regarding the incident following the deadly crash, on the social media platform X. The airline wrote, 'The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital.'
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Gujarat government begins handover of Air India crash victims' bodies, deploys 230 teams for support
Following the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, the Gujarat government has started the process of handing over the victims' bodies to their families. State Emergency Commissioner Alok Pandey stated that the deceased are from 18 of Gujarat's 33 districts, with 230 teams deployed to support families during this process. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Pandey said that the administration has contacted families of all the victims and deployed 230 specialised teams to assist them. "Out of 33 districts of Gujarat, the deceased belong to 18 different districts. We established contact with the family members and formed 230 teams. We have started handing over the bodies from today. The family member who has given the DNA sample should come with a photo ID card when they come to collect the body. If they cannot come, their close relative can come with proof that may establish the relation," he said. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has established a streamlined system for issuing death certificates on the spot to expedite administrative formalities. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has created a system where death certificates will be provided immediately. The respective village accountant or 'Talati' will provide the family card immediately. For every family, an individual team has been formed to help them take the bodies to the respective hometowns. Live Events He also added, "A grief counsellor has been appointed for each family to address the mental trauma. The families of the 11 foreign nationals have also been contacted, and they will arrive here by noon tomorrow. State government call centres are functional too address questions." Meanwhile, the lone survivor of the recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad is in stable condition and recovering steadily, according to Civil Hospital authorities. Dr Rajnish Patel, Additional Medical Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, also spoke at the press conference, "The lone survivor is fine and recovering rapidly. He is stable." Providing details about the process of handing over the bodies to relatives, Dr. Patel explained that only after DNA verification will the bodies be released. "Once a DNA match is confirmed, a representative from the hospital will contact the family member. They will be given a phone number, which they can use upon reaching the Civil Hospital. From there, they will be guided to the Medical Superintendent's office, where the body will be handed over following due procedure," he said. Dr Patel urged families not to rush to the hospital and assured them that the authorities would inform them as soon as their loved one's DNA results are available. "There is no need to panic or come prematurely. Everything is being managed in a step-by-step manner," he added. On Thursday, the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route to London from Ahmedabad when it crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport, ramming into a doctors' hostel of BJ Medical College in the MeghNagar area in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Of the passengers, 241 died in the crash. The lone survivor, identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Mint
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Mint
‘Hausla rakhna Ahmedabad' posters emerge as city mourns tragic Air India plane crash: Watch video
Posters with the phrase 'Hausla Rakhna Ahmedabad' (Keep your spirit up, Ahmedabad) are placed across the city after the devastating Air India crash tragedy, according to a video shared by the news agency PTI. Urging residents to stay strong, the poster placed at traffic junctions in Ahmedabad also states, "ye shahar aj utna hi toota hai jitna vo vimaan."(this city as much broken as that plane). On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad's Meghani Nagar area near Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport at around 1:40 pm, killing 241 people on board. Following the crash, Air India shared details regarding the incident on the social media platform X. The airline wrote, 'The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital.' Air India further informed, 'The passengers comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals and 1 Canadian national. The survivor is a British national of Indian origin.' Former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani, was one of the 241 individuals on board who died in the unfortunate crash. The central government has set up a high-level committee to investigate the Air India plane crash, which will submit the report in three months. The Committee will review the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines issued to prevent and manage such occurrences and propose comprehensive guidelines for addressing similar instances in the future, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation informed on Friday. 'The Committee will not be a substitute to other enquiries being conducted by relevant organisations but will focus on formulating SOPs for preventing and handling such occurrences in the future,' the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated on X. The high-level committee headed by Home Secretary will include secretary or joint secretary of the Home Affairs ministry, Secretary of Civil Aviation, representative from the Gujarat home department, representative from the state disaster response authority, police commissioner of Ahmedabad, the Director General (DG), Inspection and Safety of the Indian Air Force, DG of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, DG of the aviation regulator- the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, special director of Intelligence Bureau (IB), Director of Directorate of Forensic Science Services.
India Today
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Actor Unni Mukundan recalls growing up near Air India crash site: Spent 24 years
Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan recalled growing up near the Air India flight crash site in Ahmedabad on Thursday. He expressed sorrow over the tragic accident and said he and his school friends are in deep was born in Kerala's Thrissur and raised in Ahmedabad. He stayed in proximity to the crash site until he turned a conversation with Manorama, the 37-year-old actor said, "I came to know the plane crash took place in Meghaninagar, ten kilometres away from Maninagar in Ahmedabad. Maninagar is where I lived for 24 years. Like Kerala, Gujarat is my favourite state. I spent my childhood and adolescence there. This news is causing immense grief in my heart. My school friends and I are in shock."advertisement Earlier, Unni extended condolences to the families of the victims on social media and hoped they would find strength in such a difficult time. He wrote, "Heartbroken by the news of the Air India Ahmedabad-London flight crash. My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones. I can only imagine their grief, and I pray they find strength in their darkest of times. May every soul lost find their peace, and may those left behind feel the warmth of support and love around them. (sic)"Several celebrities from the Indian film industry, including Anupam Kher and Priyanka Chopra, expressed sorrow over the tragic accident on Friday. Anupam earlier shared a video in Hindi on his Instagram account, saying the plane crash is not just news but a mountain of sadness that has broken so many Priyanka shared, "So, so sad. Praying for everyone affected and the families facing unimaginable loss in the Air India tragedy (sic)".The Air India flight crashed moments after taking off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport for London. The aircraft crashed into a government hospital hostel in Meghaninagar. The crash claimed 265 lives, including former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Mukundan made his acting debut with the Tamil film 'Seedan'. He later played the lead role in 'Mallu Singh'. Some of his popular films include 'Vikramadithyan', 'KL 10 Patthu', 'Style', 'Oru Murai', 'Vanthu Parthaya', 'Achayans', 'Malikappuram' and 'Marco'. He won a National award as a producer for his debut production 'Meppadiyan'.
