Ahmedabad plane crash: Last victim identified by DNA tests cremated; closure only solace for kin

Anil Khimani, the last victim of the June 12 Ahmedabad plane crash — identified through DNA tests — has been cremated in Gujarat's Kutch district, bringing closure to the family after two weeks of wait that included submission of samples twice.

The 35-year-old, a mason by profession and father of two minor daughters, was on his way to London to meet relatives. His father Laljibhai had received a call from the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, which has been helming the DNA test and identification process, on Friday evening about Anil's body being identified.

"We brought the body back to our native Dahisara (near Bhuj town) and performed the last rites on Saturday in the presence of our relatives and well-wishers. It took more than two weeks for authorities to identify Anil's body, but at the end of it all we are at peace that it was identified and we could give him a dignified farewell," Laljibhai said. The family had held a symbolic cremation on Thursday, he added.

"For the DNA test, I gave my sample first. But a few days later we were told that another sample would have to be given. We went to Ahmedabad again and this time my wife gave the sample. We had been anxiously waiting for the results since then," he recounted.

Following the final victim being identified, state government authorities on Saturday put the death toll at 260.