Air India Crash: What Happens to the 800g Gold and ₹80K Found in Wreckage?
Ahmedabad, June 20, 2025 – Authorities have recovered 800 grams of gold jewellery (approx. 70 tolas), ₹80,000 in cash, a Bhagavad Gita, and multiple passports from the wreckage of the Air India AI-171 crash that occurred on June 12 in Ahmedabad. With the total value of the recovered gold estimated in lakhs of rupees, questions arise over the rightful ownership of these items and the legal process for their disposal.
Current Custody of Recovered Items
The gold, cash, and other valuables are currently in the custody of the police or relevant government officials, stored securely in government treasuries or lockers. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi stated on June 15, 2025, that all recovered items would be identified and handed over to the closest relatives of the deceased after due verification.
How Will Legal Heirs Be Identified?
With 241 passengers and 28 ground casualties in the tragic crash, the identification process involves:
- DNA matching of the deceased
- Documentary verification (passports, tickets, baggage receipts)
- Family claims supported by purchase receipts or other proof
Who Qualifies as a Legal Heir?
Under Indian law, the transfer of property (including gold and cash) depends on the deceased’s religion:
- Hindus: Governed by the Hindu Succession Act
- Muslims: Governed by Muslim Personal Law
- Christians: Governed by the Indian Succession Act, 1925
What If No One Claims the Valuables?
If no legal heir comes forward, the items will be classified as unclaimed property and held by the government for seven years. After this period, ownership will transfer to the state.
Compensation for Insured Luggage
If passengers had insured their luggage, the identified heirs will also receive compensation from insurance companies.
Current Status of Victim Identification
As of now, 162 victims have been identified through DNA testing, and the process of returning belongings to families has begun. Authorities warn that withholding recovered items without reporting them could lead to legal action under Sections 403 (criminal misappropriation) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the IPC.
