Ahmedabad: Gold and cash worth around ₹80 lakh were recovered from the wreckage of the Air India flight that crashed on June 12 while en route from Ahmedabad to London. Approximately 800 grams of gold was found at the crash site, raising questions over who the rightful claimants of these valuable items will be.
During the recovery operation at the crash site, authorities discovered not only the remains of victims but also a significant quantity of gold jewelry and cash. Among the first responders was Rajesh Patel, one of the few individuals who rushed to the scene immediately after the crash to assist in the rescue efforts.
Patel helped transport several victims, both deceased and injured, to ambulances. He later returned to the wreckage, which was still engulfed in flames, and collected jewelry and other valuable belongings scattered amidst the debris. According to Patel, he recovered nearly 70 tolas (approximately 800 grams) of gold jewelry, ₹50,000 in Indian currency, and some US dollars. He handed all the recovered valuables over to the police.
Patel stated that he lives just 300 meters from the crash site. The tragic incident occurred shortly after the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner took off from Ahmedabad airport. All 241 people on board were killed, with only one passenger surviving. Additionally, 29 people on the ground, including five MBBS students, also lost their lives in the crash.
