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Ahmedabad Crash: Sons Get DNA Match For Dad On Father's Day, Then Comes Call About Their Mother
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The couple, originally from Gujarat and settled in the United Kingdom since 1978, were among the many victims of the Air India flight crash on June 12.
In a deeply emotional turn of events following the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash, Miten Patel, the son of UK-based victims Ashokbhai and Shobhaben Patel, received confirmation of his father's DNA match on Father's Day, only to be informed shortly after that his mother's DNA had also been matched.
The couple, originally from Gujarat and settled in the United Kingdom since 1978, were among the many victims of the Air India flight crash on June 12. Miten and his brother Heman had rushed to Ahmedabad to assist with the identification process and provided DNA samples to authorities.
According to officials, Ashokbhai's DNA match was confirmed on Sunday, June 16, which was also Father's Day. As the brothers began making arrangements to take their father's body back to London, they received a second call from the hospital, who informed that their mother's remains had also been identified. Hers was the 99th DNA match confirmed in the ongoing identification process.
The couple, inseparable in life, were now reunited in death. Their son Miten described the moment with deep emotion, saying, 'It's as if our mother's soul called out, 'Ashok, you shouldn't travel back alone. Alive or after death, I will always be by your side.'"
Both sons also appreciated the Gujarat government for its swift and sensitive handling of the tragedy. The Patel family expressed gratitude to the Civil Hospital, Forensic Science Laboratory, and state authorities for ensuring the dignified return of their parents' remains. The brothers will now carry their parents back to London, where final rites will be conducted.
So far, DNA samples of 135 deceased individuals have been successfully matched, and 101 bodies have been handed over to their families. Authorities said 12 families are expected to arrive soon to claim the mortal remains of their loved ones, while officials remain in contact with five others. Additionally, 17 families are awaiting DNA confirmation for another relative.
First Published:
June 17, 2025, 13:50 IST
