Key Points
- Over 800 grams (70 tolas) of gold jewellery, ₹80,000 in cash, passports, and a Bhagavad Gita were recovered from the Air India AI-171 crash site in Ahmedabad.
- All valuables are under police custody and will be returned to verified legal heirs of the victims.
- Identification of claimants is underway using DNA matching, documentary proof, and family verification.
- If no legal heirs are found, valuables will remain in government custody and may eventually be transferred to the state treasury as unclaimed property.
- 211 crash victims have been identified by DNA so far, and the process of returning belongings to families has begun.
New Delhi: In the aftermath of the tragic Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, first responders and local volunteers braved intense flames to rescue survivors and recover personal belongings from the wreckage. Among the items retrieved were 70 tolas (over 800 grams) of gold jewellery, ₹80,000 in cash, several passports, and a copy of the Bhagavad Gita. These valuables, now under police protection, have raised questions about how ownership will be determined and how families can reclaim them.
Brave Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Construction businessman Raju Patel and his team were among the first to reach the crash site near BJ Medical College, arriving within minutes of the accident. Despite the hazardous conditions, they used sarees and bedsheets to carry the injured and later helped collect scattered valuables. Patel’s team handed over all recovered items including gold, cash, and documents to the authorities for safekeeping.
Where Are the Valuables Now?
All recovered items are securely stored at the Naroda police station, which has been designated as the custodian of these belongings. Each item is catalogued, examined by forensic experts, and kept in sealed containers until rightful ownership is established.
How Will Families Be Identified?
Authorities are using a multi-step process to identify both the victims and the owners of recovered valuables:
- DNA Matching: Since many victims were charred beyond recognition, DNA tests are being conducted to confirm identities. As of June 19, 211 victims have been identified through DNA, and 189 bodies have been handed over to families.
- Document Verification: Ownership of jewellery, cash, and other items will be matched with passenger records, tickets, luggage receipts, and information provided by families. Purchase receipts or other proof of ownership can help speed up the process.
- Legal Heir Verification: Under Indian law, property of the deceased is transferred to their legal heirs. The process follows relevant succession acts based on the deceased’s religion (Hindu Succession Act, Muslim Personal Law, or Indian Succession Act for Christians).
What If No Claimant Is Found?
If, after exhaustive efforts, no legal heir or claimant comes forward, the valuables are classified as “unclaimed property.” By law, such items are held in government custody for a set period (typically seven years). If still unclaimed, they are transferred to the state treasury.
Legal Safeguards and Penalties
It is a criminal offense under the Indian Penal Code (Sections 403 and 406) for anyone to keep these items without authorization. All belongings must be returned to authorities for proper documentation and distribution.
Ongoing Process
The process of returning personal effects to families has already begun, with local police, Air India, and government officials coordinating efforts. Families are being contacted as soon as identification is confirmed, and belongings are handed over after thorough verification.
