Last DNA Identification in AI171 Crash Comes After Family Holds Symbolic Farewell

 In a scene that was both sorrowful and liberating, the last DNA identification for a victim of the Air India AI171 tragedy has finally been completed — mere days after the grieving family had already made a symbolic good-bye in the lack of Tangible Remained. The tardy identification not only underscored the emotional pain but cast Light on the intricate, laboured process of identification after a crash.





The Crash That Shattered Lives

On 21 May 2025, Air India flight AI171 crashed while descending into Mumbai, killing all 134 passengers on Board. The crash, caused by a sudden failure of the engine and poor weather conditions, was one of the worst aviation tragedies in India in recent times. While the country grieved, loved ones of the deceased were thrown into a Lengthy and emotionally draining process of retrieving, identifying, and burying their relatives.


DNA Matching: A Long Road to Closure

Although the government, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Air India were quick in launching rescue and recovery operations, the severity of the crash made it Difficult to identify bodies through visual inspection alone. Forensic officers gathered biological samples from the crash site and embarked on the long process of DNA matching.


The final match, against 52-year-old businessman Arvind Malhotra,happened almost five weeks after the accident. His family had already conducted a Hindu traditional last rite, placing a garlanded photo at home and immersing symbolic ashes in the Ganges, with the hope that his soul would be at peace.


A Painful Wait for a Family

Malhotra's son Rajiv addressed the press immediately following the formal declaration:

"We couldn't wait longer. For us to say our goodbyes, We Required to do some. Even if there was no body, We Required to pay our respects."


When the Formal Notification came announcing the DNA match, the family was overwhelmed with both relief and fresh grief. Rishi called the moment "bittersweet" — they now had closure, but it reopened the Wound that was just starting to scab.


The Symbolic Power of Ritual

Death in India is not an ending, but a transition — one that is deeply linked with rituals and rites. Without a body, families are adrift. But in this Case, Symbolic goodbyes are the key to aiding survivors through grief. Grief Caregivers highlight how rituals — even in the Absence of physical bodies — can Serve Anchors in times of trauma.


"Symbolic rituals provide order to mourning. They Acknowledge the Fact of loss and allow room for public grieving," says Dr. Aarti Vyas,A psychologist who practices clinically who has Dealt with victims of disasters.


Role of Government and Preparedness

The AI171 tragedy has led to fresh questioning of India's disaster preparedness. Although the officials have praised the efficiency of the NDRF and forensic team, families have complained of Lacking Communication, Quicker forensic processing, and Greater Psychological Counseling at times of crisis.



To counter this, the Civil Aviation Ministry has proposed streamlining post-crash response Procedures, like pre-stored DNA profiles for frequent flyers, improved management of crash sites, and Psychological care for survivors' families.


Mourning in the Digital Age

Interestingly enough, the tragedy unfolded on social media. Hashtags like #AI171 and #NeverForgotten were trending netizens from across the World provided condolences and shared memories. The Malhotra family's symbolic goodbye video, which they uploaded to pay their respects to their father, has been watched more than 500,000 times on Instagram and YouTube — a reflection of how grieving is changing in the digital age.


A Collective Memory

The final identity of Each and each Passing in the AI171 disaster brings one of the worst aviation tragedies in the country to an official close. But for the families, mourning does not track bureaucratic calendars.



For the Malhotras and others, the crash has left behind not just wreckage — it has remapped lives, cut short futures, and reminded the country about the tenuousness of life.


As India collectively remembers the fallen, one message resonates loud and clear: even in death, love and Memories wins out.

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