Gandhinagar: Gujarat will never forget the dreadful day of June 12, 2025. Amid the dire circumstances following the plane crash in Ahmedabad, while the relief and rescue operations were being carried out at full pace, there was also an invisible yet extremely crucial team unwaveringly performing its duty – the team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). The FSL team has demonstrated a unique blend of sensitivity and scientific precision. During the tragedy, identifying the mortal remains and human body parts recovered from the wreckage scattered at the crash site was an enormous challenge.
In light of the gravity of the situation, and following the directives of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, the FSL team arrived at the crash site promptly. The scale of the disaster was clear from the outset. The rescue team was in the process of transporting mortal remains and body parts to the Civil Hospital. During this challenging time, the FSL team swiftly coordinated with the hospital and commenced the collection of DNA samples from the bodies and remains brought in for testing.
In this context, Director of Forensic Science, Shri H. P. Sanghvi, stated that this incident was not just another “case” for FSL, but a matter of hope and emotion for countless families. That’s why all FSL teams from Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Rajkot were immediately mobilized to Gandhinagar to expedite the DNA profiling process and ensure the swift handover of the victims’ bodies to their families.
Due to the complexity involved in testing DNA samples collected from unrecognizable remains, every sample of the deceased was carefully brought to the FSL laboratory in Gandhinagar. Simultaneously, the process of collecting DNA samples from the relatives of the deceased and conducting profiling was started at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. He added, at both locations, a total team of 54 DNA experts has been working around the clock to carry out the profiling and matching tests of the deceased and their family members.
After visiting the FSL, Minister of State for Home Shri Harsh Sanghavi continuously reviewed the DNA testing work and encouraged the FSL team. He also praised the commitment and dedication of the FSL experts toward their duty.Furthermore, it was mentioned that young and enthusiastic scientists, technicians, and assistants of the FSL team, amid this grave situation, have set aside sleep, rest, and even their families, and are relentlessly working day and night using forensic technologies like DNA profiling to restore the identities of the deceased. Of the 54 DNA experts, 22 are women. Several among them have children under the age of three, yet they have been working at the lab for the past four days to help identify the deceased.
One such example is of a DNA expert whose mother’s heart was functioning at only 20% and required immediate surgery. Still, setting aside these personal hardships, the expert displayed greater commitment to the task of testing the DNA of the victims. The team of experts working day and night at FSL is a true example of selflessness and dedication to duty, he stated.
It is noteworthy that in the Ahmedabad plane crash, Gujarat’s FSL team accelerated the identification process of the deceased with planned precision. As a result, the team succeeded in establishing the identity of the victims in less than 72 hours. Two decades ago, DNA testing for identification used to take about 5 to 10 days. In contrast, due to the availability of state-of-the-art FSL labs, advanced DNA testing machinery, and a capable team of experts in Gujarat, the identification of victims is now being completed in nearly 72 hours.
Following this highly complex and sensitive task, the FSL team has achieved incredible success in identifying several deceased individuals from the Ahmedabad plane crash. Because of their relentless efforts, grieving families are receiving the mortal remains of their loved ones swiftly. The dedication shown by the FSL team in the Ahmedabad plane crash is truly commendable. They have not only provided scientific evidence but have also set a remarkable example of human empathy. The unseen hard work and unwavering commitment of the FSL team are playing an immensely significant role in healing the wounds of this horrific tragedy.
