Bhavnagar school play depicting burqa-clad terrorists triggers controversy; probe ordered
A video of the August 15 performance has been widely circulated on social media; members of the Muslim community demanded stern action against the teachers for depicting their community in a bad light
Ahmedabad Rural police seize ambergris worth 2.97 crore, two arrested
The arrested men were identified as Yogeshbhai Tulshibhai Makwana (30), a resident of Bhavnagar, and Pantukumaar Bharatbhai Patel (37), a resident of Ahmedabad
Man jailed for harassing lion in Gujarats Bhavnagar
According to the Forest Department, Shiyal was arrested on Wednesday under provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act for disturbing and endangering a protected species
AHMEDABAD: A controversial anti-BJP post from the Facebook account of former Bhavnagar city BJP president Yogesh Badani triggered outrage and was deleted within 13 minutes, causing a stir within the partys internal circles. While Badani claims his account was misused, screenshots of the post went viral, triggering a storm of speculation. The post, which bore the explosive slogan BJP Hatao, Desh Bachao (Remove BJP, Save the Nation), was shared from Badanis official account, stunning party workers and sending shockwaves through the local leadership. As the controversy snowballed, Yogesh Badani broke his silence, telling local media that his Facebook account had been compromised. I suspect someone with prior access to my login credentials misused it. A supporter alerted me, and I deleted the post immediately, he said, adding that during his tenure as president, multiple people may have had access to his account. Amid the uproar, current Bhavnagar BJP president Kumarbhai Shah backed Badanis claim, stating, Yogesh bhai himself has clarified that his account was hacked. Badani is not a political lightweight; he has been associated with the BJP for three decades, served as Bhavnagar city unit president from 2004 to 2007, and held the post of general secretary twice. His deep organisational roots and active election roles make the incident all the more sensitive for the party. As questions mount and the BJP tries to contain internal damage, the 13-minute post has ignited a much longer political fire, one that the party will have to douse ahead of upcoming campaigns. Even prior to this episode, several BJP leaders in Gujarat had penned letters to the Chief Minister, openly questioning their own partys functioning and local officials, a move that has repeatedly exposed the simmering discontent within the partys Gujarat unit.
Man Arrested For Going Too Close To Lion In Gujarat, Video Goes Viral
Gautam Shiyal filmed harassing lion near Bhavnagar; court denies bail after Wildlife Act charges
AHMEDABAD: With the Gujarat BJP leadership in limbo and cabinet expansion hanging under fire, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has landed in Delhi on August 2 to hold crucial talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the heart of the discussions lies the long-delayed appointment of the new state party president, a decision that now appears imminent, with ripple effects expected in the state cabinet soon after. In a fast-moving political development, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on August 2 reached Delhi, setting the stage for high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid growing buzz around the Gujarat BJP presidents appointment and the long-pending cabinet expansion. The visit comes at a time when the BJP high command is said to have zeroed in on pushing through critical organisational changes that have been hanging in the balance for months. Barely hours before Patel's arrival in the capital, BJP national president JP Nadda, national general secretary (organization) BL Santosh, and Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav, who is also serving as the Gujarat election observer huddled in a closed-door meeting. From Bahucharaji to Bhavnagar, Gujarat BJP cadre on divided lines Sources confirm that the trio reached a consensus to fast-track the selection of the next Gujarat BJP president and wrap up the process by early next week. The stage is being set for a tightly scripted transition. BJP insiders say the leadership change will be symbolic in nature with only one name being greenlit by the party high command, effectively rendering the process uncontested. Once the central leadership signals the preferred choice, the candidate is expected to file a lone nomination at Kamalam, the party's Gujarat headquarters, and be declared unanimously elected without a formal vote. Names from Saurashtra and North Gujarat are doing the rounds for the top post, with the party reportedly keen on choosing an OBC leader to consolidate its social coalition. However, there is also speculation that the high command may go with a younger face to rebrand the Gujarat unit ahead of 2027. If required, a sitting minister may be asked to step down from the cabinet to take over the organisational reins. The leadership churn doesnt end there! Cabinet expansion, which has remained on hold for several months, is expected to follow after the presidents appointment. Sources say Bhupendra Patel is awaiting the new presidents installation before finalizing the cabinet shuffle, a move likely to reflect the internal balance of power between different factions in the party. The biggest question now: will CR Patils loyalists, who dominated the previous phase, retain influence in the new power structure? Or will the cabinet reshuffle signal a generational or regional shift? Either way, Gujarat BJP appears poised for a political reset, with Delhi pulling the strings and Kamalam awaiting the signal. Rahul Gandhi unleashes 'Sangathan' storm in Gujarat; calls BJP-RSS prasad politics divisive Important to defeat BJP in its 'main base': Rahul Gandhi tells Gujarat Congress leaders; slams EC as 'biased umpire'
ED Initiates PMLA Probe In Axis Mutual Fund 'Front-Running' Case, Conducts Multi-City Searches
The ED searches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act were conducted in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Bhuj, Gurugram, Kolkata and Ludhiana, the sources said.
AHMEDABAD: Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah, attending a travel fair organised at Gandhinagar on July 31 appealed for greater tourist footfall from Gujarat. He credited Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal for driving tourism to the Valley over the last 30 years. Speaking to the media at Ahmedabad airport ahead of a tourism fair, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, If you look at the last 3035 years, the maximum number of tourists to J&K have come from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. My team and I are here to promote J&K tourism, and we sincerely hope to welcome a large number of visitors from Gujarat in the coming season. On the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Abdullah added, We cannot rule out an intelligence and security failure; someone is accountable for what happened. Though the accused has been neutralised, the lack of clarity and responsibility on the security lapse is concerning. Pahalgam attack: UNSC report flags LeT-TRF link, boosts Indias case on Pakistan-backed terror In one of the deadliest extremist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir in recent decades, 26 tourists, including several from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, were gunned down in a brutal ambush at Pahalgam, a scenic hotspot often dubbed the Mini Switzerland of India. Among the victims were Shailesh Kalthia from Surat and Yatish Parmar from Bhavnagar, along with his young son Smit Parmar. The attack not only shattered lives but also dealt a crippling blow to Kashmir's tourism economy. Panic spread swiftly across Gujarat, with many families abruptly cancelling their scheduled trips to the valley. Even seasoned tourists who visited Kashmir annually chose to stay away this time, triggering a sharp nosedive in footfall and revenues. Tourism, which contributes nearly 7-8% to J&Ks GDP, is the lifeline of the regions economy, employing over 2.5 lakh people directly. More than 1,500 houseboats on Srinagars iconic Dal Lake and countless hotels, guides, drivers, and small businesses depend solely on tourist inflow. Jammu and Kashmir tourism departmentholds road show to woo tourists in city The annual tourism industry, currently valued at 12,000 crore, had been projected to soar to 25,00030,000 crore by 2030. But the terror strike marked the beginning of a dark phase, unravelling years of growth. This disruption hit just as Kashmir had started experiencing a boom in tourism post-COVID. From 34 lakh visitors in 2020, the numbers had surged to 1.13 crore in 2021, 1.88 crore in 2022, 2.11 crore in 2023, and 2.36 crore in 2024 including over 65,000 foreign tourists. Now, in a strategic move to rebuild trust and revive inflows, Omar Abdullah is making a direct outreach aimed at reconnecting with the Gujarati tourist base that once played a pivotal role in driving valley tourism. Poor road defeats Jammu and Kashmirtourism goals
On Cam: Gujarat Cop's Son Kills 2 With SUV While Racing With Friend, Father Turns Him In
The driver was the son of an Assistant Sub Inspector in Gujarat's Bhavnagar. He allegedly rammed into people, killing 2 pedestrians this week.
From Bahucharaji to Bhavnagar, Gujarat BJP cadre on divided lines
AHMEDABAD: Once hailed for its internal discipline and ironclad organisation, the Gujarat BJP is now witnessing open turf wars between MLAs and local units, exposing growing rifts from villages to the state capital. The conflict rooted in ticket tussles, ego clashes, and a stalled state leadership is not just political friction but a full-blown public spectacle threatening the partys grassroots grip. The most glaring flashpoint erupted in Bahucharaji, Mehsana, where the cold war between Taluka BJP President Kamlesh Desai and local MLA Sukhaji Thakor finally spilled out in public. At a felicitation ceremony for newly elected sarpanchs in Surpura village, the MLAs conspicuous absence has triggered political speculation. A furious Kamlesh Desai accused Thakor of deliberately skipping the event despite being present in the area and even threatened to lodge a formal complaint. The show of disunity reflected a deeper rot, zero coordination between the organisational wing and the elected representative. In retaliation, MLA Sukhaji Thakor didnt mince words. He hit back at Desai, accusing him of sabotaging his 2022 campaign and running the organisation like a personal fiefdom. According to Thakor, Desai is more focused on self-promotion than party building, a jab that underlines long-simmering tensions dating back to the ticket distribution battle of 2022. Back then, according to a party insider, state BJP general secretary Rajni Patel had lobbied for the Bahucharaji seat for himself or a loyalist, but the high command handed it to Thakor instead, a staunch opponent of Patel. Furious, Patels faction reportedly turned cold, with local BJP leaders refusing to rally behind Thakors campaign. Though Thakor ultimately won with state backing, the real blow came post elections, when Patel loyalist Kamlesh Desai was installed as taluka president, a strategic move seen as payback. Meanwhile, a similar feud has exploded in Vallabhipur, Bhavnagar. At a Sarpanch event in Limda village, former district BJP chief Mukesh Langaliya publicly accused MLA Shambhunath Tundiya of shielding corrupt aides who extort money from contractors working on local infrastructure projects. The charges involving causeways, government buildings, and highway works are serious enough to have reached the state BJPs corridors, even as Langaliya went rogue by defying party orders and holding the event, effectively splitting the local unit into two warring camps. The unrest isn't limited to rural Gujarat. In Ahmedabads Asarwa constituency, BJP MLA Darshanaben Vaghela was recently surrounded by angry citizens over basic civic amenities. A video of the confrontation shot near the Civil Hospital went viral, prompting severe embarrassment for the city BJP leadership. While corporators and ward workers were scolded, the political damage had already been done. Party insiders say the clip has now made its way to state-level leaders, intensifying concerns about the BJPs urban image. Adding fuel to the fire is the state-level leadership vacuum. Its been over seven months since the BJP formed its new organisational structure, yet the state president's chair remains with questions. With no consensus on caste calculations, decision-making is stalled, and uncertainty is trickling down. CR Patil, whose extended term ended after the Lok Sabha elections, is set to complete five years as Gujarat BJP president, having taken charge on July 20, 2020. Despite his elevation to the Union Cabinet in June 2024, he continues to hold the post, making him one of the longest-serving state chiefs in recent times. Now largely absorbed in his Union ministerial role, leaving the state cadre without a visible guiding hand. The organisational drift is evident. Out of Gujarat's four BJP zones, only two have active general secretaries. Though city and district presidents were appointed months ago, theres been no finalisation of regional structures, and programs are limping forward amid factional bickering. From rural talukas to state headquarters, the BJPs famed discipline is unravelling, exposing deep cracks in Gujarats saffron fortress.
Ahmedabad Diary | Power struggles: Gujarat Congress in turmoil
After Shaktisinh Gohil stepped down as the Gujarat Congress chief, the hunt for a successor turned murky. Soon, a viral message on social media platforms claimed that a former president, an OBC leader, was reappointed, sparking confusion. Congress insiders suspect this was a planted move by his rivals to sabotage his chances. While no one has claimed responsibility, the damage was done to his succession. Meanwhile, more than 15 Congress leaders rushed to Delhi to lobby with Rahul Gandhi, triggering buzz that one of them might land the top post. The misleading social media message declaring a new state chief only deepened the internal chaos. BJP ex-dist chiefs graft claims on MLA sparks row The simmering internal rift in Gujarats Vallabhipur BJP in Bhavnagar district has burst into the open, with its former district BJP president Mukesh Langaliya launching a scathing attack on the local MLA. The flashpoint came during a felicitation event for 37 village sarpanches in Limda, where Langaliya openly criticised the way of working of the BJP legislator. He accused the MLA of protecting a coterie of corrupt aides and alleged rampant corruption in causeway construction, Mamlatdar office projects, and National Highway works. The fact that such charges come from a BJP leader against his own MLA has sparked a row. CMs insensitive remark on bridge collapse The collapse of the central span of the Gambhira Bridge over the Mahi River, which connects the towns of Anand and Padra, caused two trucks, two pickup vans, and a rickshaw to sink into the river, resulting in the deaths of at least twenty people. In response, the Gujarat government announced Rs 4 lakh relief to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. However, CM Bhupendra Patels statement on X (formerly Twitter), calling it the collapse of one of 23 spans, has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders and citizens. Further, BJP leaders echoed similar downplaying language, fuelling public outrage over the perceived insensitivity. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com
Makwanas explosive exit: Gujarat AAP MLA alleges Dalit betrayal, hints at launching new party
AHMEDABAD: Days after AAPs Gopal Italia clinched victory in the Gujarat bypolls, the party was rocked by internal discord as Botad MLA Umesh Makwana was expelled for five years on Thursday. The action came hours after Makwana resigned from all party posts in a letter to Arvind Kejriwal, saying he would remain a dedicated worker of the party. Gujarat AAP chief Isudan Gadhvi announced the expulsion, reflecting rising tensions in the state unit. In his parting remarks, Makwana hit out at the leadership, alleging he was abandoned during the campaign and that a Dalit candidate in the Kadi Assembly was left alone in the field, indirectly targeting the handling of Italias poll run. AAP leader Umesh Makwana told reporters in Gandhinagar on Thursday, I will decide on resigning as MLA only after consulting the people. Leaders from backward communities are being used only for elections, and every party has failed to raise their real issues. Casteist mindsets are growing in all parties, he alleged. Makwana, who has served in the national structure of both Dandak and AAP, said he has stepped down as AAP's national joint secretary but will continue as a grassroots worker. The entire party rallied behind Gopal Italia, but the Dalit candidate from Kadi was left to fight alone, he added. I will take the final call on resigning as AAP MLA only after consulting the public. If I resign, I will soon decide whether to contest as an independent or launch a new party, Umesh Makwana said, hinting at possible political realignment. Makwana also said he plans to convene a meeting with leaders from backward communities in the coming days. Moments after Umesh Makwana's announcement, Gujarat AAP president Isudan Gadhvi told the media, Umesh Makwana has been suspended from the party for five years for indulging in anti-party and anti-Gujarat activities. Gadhvi further alleged, The BJP is doing dirty politics and is rattled by the Visavadar bypoll result. They are trying to damage AAP through Umesh Makwana, but this will prove to be a mistake. Long before his resignation and expulsion, signs of Umesh Makwanas growing distance from the Aam Aadmi Party had become evident, as he had not been seen in any party programmes for months. Speculation around his resignation had surfaced earlier as well, though he had publicly denied the rumours in a press conference. Makwana, who was fielded by AAP from the Botad seat in the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections, had defeated BJPs Ghanshyam Virani and Congresss Manhar Patel to become an MLA. His political journey with AAP continued when he was later nominated as the partys Lok Sabha candidate from Bhavnagar, though he lost that contest. Despite these key roles, his prolonged absence from party activities hinted at a widening rift, which eventually culminated in his resignation and expulsion, bringing the internal cracks within the Gujarat unit into sharper focus.
'Swamiji' in jail: Book chronicles PM Modis daring underground role during Emergency
A new book, The Emergency Diaries, reveals Prime Minister Narendra Modi's clandestine activities during the 1975-77 Emergency. Disguised as a 'swamiji,' Modi visited activists in Bhavnagar jail and distributed anti-Emergency literature while evading authorities. He employed innovative tactics and code words to organize meetings and disseminate information, working with RSS leaders to sustain community contact during the ban.
Gujarat Congress chief Gohil quits within 4 hours of bypoll rout
AHMEDABAD: Just four hours after the Kadi and Visavadar by-election results were announced, Gujarat Congress President Shaktisinh Gohil stepped down from his post. In a swift transition, Danilimda MLA Shailesh Parmar has been given charge as the interim state president until a permanent successor is announced. Citing moral responsibility, Gohil acknowledged the party's failure in the by-polls, despite what he called the unwavering efforts of Congress workers who have battled without power for 30 years. He confirmed that he has formally submitted his resignation to the national president. Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters in Ahmedabad on Monday, Shaktisinh Gohil said, Despite being out of power for 30 years, our workers have fought relentlessly. I accept moral responsibility for the poor results and have resigned. I have already sent my resignation to the national president. According to congress sources, Congress has sparked a political stir by sidelining Shaktisinh Gohils loyalists in the appointment of new city district presidents, instead handing over key positions to his rivalseven in his own home turf. This move put to rest the swirling rumours about his resignation, which gained traction yesterday amid speculation that Gohil was upset over his opponents being rewarded with top posts in his own district. Brushing off speculation that his resignation was triggered by internal politics, Gohil clarified, The appointment of district presidents was done after hearing every worker. AICC selected the best candidates based on consensus. These arent Gohils men or his rivalsthese are party men. Even Bhavnagars names were finalized with worker agreement. In response to claims of being upset over his rivals being elevated in his home turf, Gohil countered, Some people may feel hurt during decisions in a party or family. But the process was democratic. The performance of the new district presidents will be reviewed in three months. Feedback will be taken again. I congratulate both outgoing and new presidents. Firmly rejecting the idea that he had to be persuaded to stay, Gohil stated, I didnt wait to be convinced. I took responsibility and resigned. This is Congress tradition. Im not quitting the battlefieldI will continue as a loyal soldier. The party turns workers into leaders, and I remain one of them. Ive never done politics with double standards. He concluded with a tinge of disappointment, It wouldve been good if we had won at least one of the two seats. But the fight must go on. Shaktisinh Gohil stepped down as Gujarat Congress president within just two years of taking charge. He had taken over the reins in June 2023, following the resignation of Jagdish Thakor, who quit after the partys defeat in the 2022 Assembly elections. Congress has remained out of power in Gujarat since 1995, facing defeat in every Assembly election held since then1995, 1998, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017, and 2022. The setbacks didnt stop there. In both the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the party failed to win a single one of the states 26 parliamentary seats. While the 2024 Lok Sabha elections finally saw the Congress contest one seat under the INDIA alliance, its decades-long struggle to regain ground in Gujarat continues.
Ahmedabad plane crash: 223 DNA matches confirmed, 204 bodies handed over to families
AHMEDABAD: DNA samples of 223 victims of the Air India plane crash have been successfully matched, and 204 bodies have been handed over to families as of 11:50 am on June 20, according to Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi. The Civil Hospital authorities have intensified the efforts to identify and return the remaining bodies. Meanwhile, two patients under treatment at the Civil Hospital succumbed to their injuries. Their bodies have been handed over to their families, bringing the total count of bodies handed over to 204 from the Civil Hospital alone. Breaking down the identification further, Dr Joshi confirmed that the 223 matched victims comprise 168 Indian nationals, 7 Portuguese, 36 British citizens, 1 Canadian, and 11 non-passengers - local residents who were tragically caught in the crash zone. Several international, domestic Air India flights cancelled due to operational reasons Logistics have played a critical role in the aftermath, with 15 bodies airlifted and 189 transported by road, according to Dr Joshi. The mortal remains have been sent to various Indian states and several foreign countries. Ahmedabad received the highest number, with 58 bodies, followed by Vadodara (21), Surat (11), Udaipur (7), Mumbai (9), Diu (14), and Kheda (11). Others were sent to Mehsana (6), Gandhinagar (6), Rajkot (3), Jamnagar (2), Patan (2), Dwarka (2), Aravalli (2), and London (2). Single bodies were transported to locations including Botad, Jodhpur, Anand, Palanpur, Maharashtra, Junagadh, Amreli, Gir Somnath, Mahisagar, Bhavnagar, Patna, Nadiad, Sabarkantha, Nagaland, and Modasa. Madurai-bound Indigo flight returns after mid-air 'snag,' say officials
Over 1,000 evacuated as Gujarat lashed by heavy rain; nine dams overflow, power, roads hit
AHMEDABAD: Gujarat was battered by widespread rains, with 160 talukas across 27 districts receiving an average of 21.24 mm rainfall, even as 91 talukas remained completely dry, highlighting the uneven spread of the monsoon. Among the worst-hit were South Gujarats Ahwa in Dang with 250 mm and Kaprada in Valsad with 241 mm, triggering rapid water accumulation across low-lying areas. As a result, nine dams have reached full capacity while 15 others have been placed on high alert due to dangerously rising water levels. As a precaution, 1,060 people have been relocated729 in Bhavnagar, 134 in Surendranagar, 117 in Botad, and 80 in Amreli. So far, 182 people have been rescued by disaster response teams24 in Botad, 89 in Bhavnagar, and 69 in Amreli. The state has deployed 33 teams, including 13 from NDRF and 20 from SDRF, to tackle emergencies. In the last 24 hours, Gujarat has witnessed intense monsoon activity, with 160 talukas across 27 districts receiving an average rainfall of 21.24 mm, while 91 talukas remained dry. Ahwa in Dang district topped the rainfall chart with 250 mm, closely followed by Kaprada in Valsad (241 mm), Waghai (196 mm), Subir (180 mm), and Dharampur (168 mm). Zone-wise, Kutch registered 84.80 mm, North Gujarat 58.59 mm, Central Gujarat 101.38 mm, Saurashtra 150.45 mm, and South Gujarat 133.96 mmbringing the statewide average rainfall to 113.63 mm, which is 12.87% of the season's quota. The deluge has left a critical mark on Gujarats dam levels. Out of 206 dams, nine are filled to capacity, 25 are between 70100%, 22 between 5070%, 57 between 2550%, and 93 have dipped below 25%. Alarming figures show 15 dams on high alert, 10 on alert, and nine above the warning level. Sardar Sarovar Dam continues to swell, receiving 16,914 cusecs of inflow per hour while discharging 23,844 cusecs into the Narmada Canal. The current water level stands at 392.22 feet51.31% of its total capacity. Critical dams under high alert include Dhatarwadi and Surajwadi in Amreli, Rojki, Bagad, Ranghola, and Shetrunji in Bhavnagar, Bhimdad in Botad, and Kalaghogha in Kutch, among others. Power infrastructure has been battered13,285 villages faced outages, of which 13,209 have been restored. Of the 17,005 damaged electricity poles, 16,031 are repaired; 974 remain pending. Power restoration work is still underway on 1,085 feeders, while 44 of 912 transformers await repair. Road infrastructure has not been spared either. Six state highways, one national highway, 21 other roads, and 136 panchayat roads were damaged. So far, 3 state highways and 8 roads have been reopened, but the rest remain shut. Looking ahead, IMD has issued a yellow alert for June 2021 in Tapi, Dang, Navsari, and Valsad. June 22 brings a yellow alert for Bharuch, Narmada, Surat, and others, with an orange alert for Navsari and Valsad. On June 23, Banaskantha and Sabarkantha are under orange alert, while 11 districts face a yellow alert. Six districts remain under yellow alert for June 24, as monsoon intensity continues.
Ahmedabad plane crash: DNA of 211 victims matched; 189 bodies handed over to families
AHMEDABAD: In a significant update on the Ahmedabad plane crash tragedy, DNA samples of 211 deceased individuals have been successfully matched, and 189 bodies have been handed over to their respective families, according to officials. Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi shared the details during a media briefing, emphasizing the coordinated effort between forensic teams, hospital staff, and law enforcement. Of the remaining cases, eight families are expected to claim the mortal remains of their loved ones in the coming days, while two families are scheduled to accept the bodies by tomorrow. Additionally, 11 families are still awaiting DNA matches of their other relatives, indicating that the process of closure remains ongoing for many. Providing a breakdown of nationalities, Dr. Joshi stated that among the 189 confirmed deceased, 142 are Indian citizens, 32 are from the UK, seven are Portuguese nationals, one is Canadian, and seven individuals were non-passengers, whose presence near the crash site turned tragic. In a detailed media briefing, Dr. Joshi confirmed that 189 bodies have been handed over to families so far, while DNA samples of 211 deceased individuals have been successfully matched. He noted that eight more families are expected to receive the mortal remains of their relatives in the coming days, while two families will accept the remains by tomorrow. However, the process is not yet complete - 11 families are still awaiting the DNA match of a second relative, highlighting the continued emotional wait for full closure. Providing further insight, he explained the nationality distribution of the 189 deceased: 142 were Indian citizens, 32 were British nationals, 7 were from Portugal, 1 was Canadian, and 7 were non-passengerspeople who were tragically caught in the disaster despite not being on the flight. Dr Joshi also offered a detailed breakdown of the geographical origin of those whose bodies have been handed over. These include seven from Udaipur, 20 from Vadodara, 10 from Kheda, 55 from Ahmedabad, six from Mehsana, one each from Botad, Jodhpur, Patan, Junagadh, Mahisagar, Bhavnagar, and Patna, two each from Aravalli, Maharashtra, Amreli, Jamnagar, Dwarka, and London, 16 from Anand, five from Bharuch, 11 from Surat, six from Gandhinagar, 14 from Diu, three from Rajkot, nine from Mumbai, one each from Nadiad, Sabarkantha, and Nagaland. He emphasised that the process of DNA matching is both legally sensitive and scientifically complex, requiring meticulous attention. Due to these constraints, the identification is being carried out with utmost seriousness and urgency. To expedite the process, teams from the Forensic Science University, local administrations, state health departments, and multiple central and state agencies are working round the clock. Their collective efforts aim to ensure that the mortal remains are returned to families as quickly and respectfully as possible, offering a measure of peace amid a tragedy that has shaken families across India and abroad.
Ahmedabad plane crash: 190 DNA matches confirmed, 157 bodies handed over
AHMEDABAD: Six days after the devastating Ahmedabad plane crash, the sole survivor Vishwas Kumar has been discharged from the hospital in stable condition, confirmed Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Civil Hospital Superintendent. Kumar's family, who had flown in from the UK, was present at his side. The body of Kumar's brother, who was killed in the crash, was handed over to the family at 2 am on the same day, and a funeral was held for him in Diu. As of now, DNA samples of 190 deceased individuals have been successfully matched. In a detailed briefing, Dr. Joshi stated that 157 bodies have already been handed over to their respective families, with the identification and release process still underway for the remaining. He noted that five families are expected to collect the bodies of their loved ones soon, while the hospital remains in contact with 10 families. Meanwhile, 15 families are waiting for DNA matches of additional relatives, and the identification process is ongoing for three others. Dr. Joshi also revealed a detailed breakdown of the nationalities among the deceased whose bodies have been identified: 123 Indian nationals, 27 British citizens, 4 Portuguese nationals, 1 Canadian citizen, and 4 non-passengers. In terms of geographical distribution, he reported that the bodies handed over include: Ahmedabad (48), Vadodara (18), Kheda (10), Anand (11), Gandhinagar (6), Surat (6), Mehsana (5), Udaipur (6), Bharuch (5), Gir Somnath (5), Diu (12), Mahisagar (1), Bhavnagar (1), Patan (1), Botad (1), Aravalli (2), Jodhpur (1), Junagadh (1), Amreli (1), Rajkot (2), Nadiad (1), Dwarka (2), Sabarkantha (1), Mumbai (7), London (2), Patna (1), and Maharashtra (2).
Heavy rains Gujarat; 40 shifted to safety, 5 go missing
Bhavnagar was also one of the worst affected districts, they said, adding that more downpour is likely over the next four day in parts of the state.
Air India crash: 87 victims identified by DNA tests, 47 bodies handed over to kin
AHMEDABAD: Four days after the horrific crash of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad claimed 270 lives, 87 victims have so far been identified through DNA matching and 47 bodies have been handed over to their families, officials said on Monday. Authorities are carrying out DNA tests to establish the identity of the victims since many of the bodies were charred beyond recognition or damaged otherwise after the plane crash on June 12. Till now, 87 DNA samples have been matched, and 47 bodies have already been handed over to the respective families. These deceased were from different parts of Gujarat, such as Bharuch, Anand, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Vadodara, Kheda, Mehsana, Arvalli and Ahmedabad districts, additional civil superintendent Dr Rajnish Patel told reporters. No clarity yet on identity of 18 Air India crash victims The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 242 persons on board crashed into a medical college complex in Ahmedabad moments after taking off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 pm on June 12. While 241 persons on board the London-bound aircraft died, one passenger miraculously survived . Besides, 29 persons are reported to have died in the disaster on the ground, which includes five MBBS students . AUW! Could Air India Flight AI-171's weight have doomed it?
Ahmedabad plane crash: Doctor identifies pregnant wife from mangalsutra
In Ahmedabad, a devastating plane crash resulted in bodies charred beyond recognition, necessitating DNA analysis for identification. Amidst the tragedy, Dr. Pradeep Solanki, a neurosurgeon, identified his pregnant wife, Kajal, a homeopath, through her mangalsutra pendant. The couple had just returned from their baby shower in Bhavnagar a day before the accident.
DNA identification of Ahmedabad plane crash victims underway; only eight bodies handed over so far
AHMEDABAD: As the aftermath of the devastating Air India plane crash continues to unfold, DNA testing remains in full swing on the second day at Kasoti Bhavan inside the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Authorities have so far conducted postmortems on over 270 bodies, while DNA sampling has been completed for at least 220 victims. Despite the scale of the tragedy, only eight bodies have been identified and handed over to their families. Officials confirmed that more than 25 ambulances have been stationed outside the hospital to assist in the transfer of remains. However, identification of the remaining victims hinges entirely on DNA results, which are expected within the next three days. Samples of nearly 250 individuals have already been collected as part of the massive identification effort. Among the victims confirmed so far are two from Rajasthan, two from Bhavnagar, and one from Madhya Pradesh. The identities of others remain under process as forensic teams work round the clock. Special attention is being given to the 27 passengers from Vadodara city and district who were aboard the ill-fated flight. District Collector Dr Anil Dhamelia stated that DNA sampling of their families has been completed at the Civil Hospital. To assist in the coordination, the district administration deployed one male and one female officer each for 20 of the affected families to establish direct contact and streamline the identification process. Dr Dhamelia also informed that three medical officers from the Vadodara district health system have been dispatched to Ahmedabad for support. Additionally, a Chitnis has been appointed by the state government to assist with on-ground coordination. In a show of oversight, Gujarat State Health Minister Hrishikesh Patel and Minister of State Jagadish Vishwakarma visited the hospital to inspect the ongoing DNA collection and identification process. Meanwhile, police have officially registered a case of accidental death in connection with the crash, as investigations continue to piece together the chain of events that led to one of Indias deadliest aviation disasters.
Air India crash in Ahmedabad could be the worst involving a single aircraft in India
The crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on Thursday could be the worst ever accident involving a single aircraft in India. There were 242 people on board the flight, while more casualties are likely on the ground as the plane crashed into a hostel for medical students. The only plane accident in India with more casualties was the mid-air collision of two aircraft over Charkhi Dadri in Haryana, around 100 km from Delhi, in 1996 in which 349 people died. That crash involved the collision of a Saudia flight from Delhi to Dhahran in Saudi Arabia and a Kazakhstan Airlines flight from Chimkent in Kazakhstan to Delhi. LIVE | Air India flight to London crashes near Ahmedabad airport during takeoff; all 242 passengers presumed dead The previous worst crash involving a single aircraft in India took place on New Year's Day in 1978 when an Air India flight crashed into the Arabian Sea just off the coast of Bombay less than two minutes after take-off. All 213 people on board that flight, which was headed to Dubai, died. The aircraft was a Boeing-747 named Emperor Ashoka. The worst ever crash involving an Air India plane was in 1985 when a flight from Canada to India was blown up over the Atlantic Ocean after a bomb was planted on board by Khalistani terrorists. All 329 people on board were killed. Here is a timeline of the major air accidents in India since 1990: August 7, 2020 Air India Express Flight IX-1344 Kozhikode In Keralas biggest plane accident, an Air India Express aircraft carrying 190 people on board, including crew, from Dubai to Calicut airport skidded off the table-top runway while landing in bad weather, fell 35 feet onto a road below and split into two. Operating under the Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate Indians stranded abroad due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Boeing 737-800 aircraft was flying from Dubai to Kozhikode (Calicut). Such runways, which are located on hilltops, create the optical illusion of being at the same level as the plains below when a pilot comes in for a landing. The crash claimed 21 lives, including both pilots, and left more than 100 injured, some critically. May 22, 2010 Air India Express Flight IX-81 - Mangalore Air India Express Flight IX-812 crashed on May 22, 2010, at Mangalore International Airport, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India. The flight, a Boeing 737-800, was operating from Dubai to Mangalore with 166 people onboard, including many Indian expatriates returning home. The 2-year-old aircraft had crashed outside Mangalore airport in Karnataka on May 22, killing 158 people when it burst into flames after overshooting a table-top runway and plunged into a nearby forest.The crash resulted in 158 fatalities, with only 8 survivors, most of whom were seated in the front section of the aircraft. The investigation found that the pilot overshot the table-top runway at Mangalore and tried to pull up the plane but it was too late. November 10, 2009 An ATR-72 passenger plane, operated by Kingfisher Airlines, was damaged when it skidded off the runway on landing at Mumbai-Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM), India. Flight IT4124 operated on a scheduled domestic flight from Bhavnagar Airport (BHU) to Mumbai. Maintenance on main runway 27 at Mumbai effected operations at the airport between certain times. October 29, 2008 King Air C-90 aircraft owned and operated by Govt of Punjab was operating Positioning flight from Chandigarh to Ludhiana on 29.10.08 with two cockpit crew on board. The flight en-route up to overhead Ludhiana was uneventful. The crew located the runway late due prevailing Low visibility. They were not comfortable with the approach and made a go around; a non-standard go-around due to low visibility. In the anxiety to not to loose the sight of the field they descended in three orbits in the vicinity of the airfield on the west side of R/w 12, perhaps to land after making the short circuit from the right. However they lost the control and impacted with the ground in the steep left bank. Aircraft got destroyed in the crash due to the impact and post impact fire. Both the occupant on board died due to fire and collapsing aircraft structure. Air India crash near Ahmedabad airport: What we know so far March 19, 2008 The Premier 1 corporate jet aircraft took off normally from Jodhpur (JDH), India. The flight en-route up to approach to land at Udaipur (UDR) was uneventful. After clearance to land at Udaipur the pilot selected the flaps-10; the flap didnt respond and Flaps-Fail message flashed. The pilot decided to go for a flap-less landing and carried out the check list for Flaps Up approach & landing. The approach speed of the aircraft was probably high and it could not be brought to the assigned limit for flap less landing. The pilot continued approach at high speed. From about 25 feet height, the aircraft had a sort of free fall and impacted the runway. It rolled for about 150 feet with heavy breaking on both the wheels; which caused heavy rubber deposits on the runway and subsequent tyre burst. The aircraft veered to right and hit the boundary wall before it stopped. September 8, 2007 Vulcanair P68C aircraft VT-JOY operated by M/s Joy Alukkas Traders (I)pvt Ltd, Cochin operating flight from Bangalore Airport to Cochin on 08.9.2007 after refueling at Bangalore. Its took-off from Bangalore airport runway 27 at approx 1514 Hrs normally. At about1520 Hrs IST the aircraft wanted to return back due technical. However it could not make it as it was losing the engine power very fast. Subsequently Radar contact with the aircraft was lost and the aircraft crashed onto the lakebed of Gawdanapalya Lake, about 5NM Southwest of Bangalore airport. All the persons onboard received fatal injuries. There was no evidence of fire. Aircraft was completely destroyed. July 1, 2007 ATR 72-212A aircraft VT -JCE operated by M/s Jet Airways was operating schedule flight sectors DelhiBhopalIndoreDelhi on 1.7.2007. The flight up-till approach to land at Indore was normal. On coming to the runway the aircraft touched down moderately hard and bounced high. The Pilots were perhaps determined to salvage the abnormal situation and added Power to the Engines with intention to cushion the sink-rate and settle the runway. On the contrary, aircraft came hard on the RWY and bounced once again. This got followed with a series of bounces in succession. While bouncing the aircraft migrated from the runway and finally came to full halt on right side close to airport boundary wall. There was no fire in the accident. March 11, 2006 Low-cost carrier Air Deccan's flight from Coimbatore was involved in a mishap when it skidded off the runway after landing at the Bangalore airport.The brand new ATR-72 plane with a compliment of 40 passengers and four crew members damaged its landing gear -- nose wheel and undercarriage-- and slipped out of the runway. April 17, 2004 The aircraft owned and operated by M/s Agni Aerosports Adventure Academy,Bangalore was scheduled for a flight from Jakkur airport to Nadirgul on 7.4.2004. The aircraft took off at about 1115 Hrs with four persons on board including pilot in command. Film actress Ms. Soundarya was also on board the aircraft. After attaining a height of about 150 ft after takes off, the aircraft took a steep left turn, stalled and hit the ground. A few minutes later, the aircraft caught fire and all the occupants received fatal injuries. The aircraft got destroyed due impact and post impact fire. Ahmedabad Air India plane crash: Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani feared to be among passengers September 30, 2001 (Charter Flight) King Air C 90 aircraft VT-EFF owned by Birla Global Finance Ltd. and operated by M/s Jindal Strips Ltd., New Dehli took off from Delhi on 30.09.2001 at 1241 hrs with six passengers and two crewmembers on board. The aircraft was bound to Kanpur. En route it reported Aligarh as estimated. Short of next reporting point KADAS the aircraft was about 10 miles right of track for which the permission was obtained and the pilot requested for direct routing to Kanpur. Captain was advised by ATC Lucknow, to co-ordinate with Gwalior and Agra for traffic information. Thereafter, the aircraft lost the contact with the ATC and crashed. All the persons on board received fatal injuries. The aircraft got destroyed due fire. July 17, 2000 Boeing 737 aircraft VT-EGD, owned by Indian Airlines Ltd. and operated by Airlines Allied Services Ltd. took off from NSCBI Airport Kolkata at 0615 hrs on 17.07.2000 for Patna Lucknow - Delhi. The aircraft was under the command of Capt. Sohan Pal and there were 58 persons, including six crewmembers, on board. At approx 0713 hrs, the aircraft informed Patna ATC, estimated arrival time at Patna at 0736 hrs. The aircraft informed Patna ATC at 0732 hrs that it would like to do a 360-degree due to being high on approach. The ATC informed the aircraft to report final for R/W 25 after carrying out a 360-degree turn and the pilot acknowledged the same. This was the last communication recorded between the aircraft and the ATC. During the approach, for R/W 25 at Patna, the aircraft turned steeply to the left, losing height, and collided with the tree in the approach funnel and crashed in the GardaniBagh area near Patna Airport. The aircraft was totally destroyed due impact with the ground and post impact fire. July 30, 1998 Indian Airlines DO-228 aircraft VT-EJW was involved in an accident at KochiAerodrome on 30-7-98. The aircraft was scheduled to operate from Kochi toThiruvananthapuram. Aircraft took off from runway 17 of Kochi Aerodrome. After attaining a height of about 400 ft. it was seen pitching up steeply to a near vertical attitude and thereafter appeared to perform a manoeuvre similar to a stall turn to the right and crashed on the roof top of the Component Repair Shop (CRS) building of the Naval Aircraft Yard, Kochi. After the impact the aircraft caught fire and was completely destroyed. All persons on board received fatal injuries. Three persons working in CRS also received fatal and six other persons received minor injuries. November 12, 1996 A Saudi Arabian Boeing 747 aircraft and Kazakhastna IL-76 aircraft collided in mid-air about 40 miles west of Delhi on 12th November, 1996. All the 312 occupants of Saudi Boeing 747 and 37 occupants of Kazakhstan IL-76 aircraft lost their lives. The Saudi Boeing 747 aircraft was on a scheduled passenger flight from Delhi to Dahran and the Kazakhastan aircraft was operating a non-scheduled flight from Chimkent, Kazakhastan to Delhi. After takeoff from Delhi, Delhi Approach had instructed the Saudi Boeing 747 aircraft to climb and maintain FL-140 (14,000 feet). The Kazakhastan aircraft had been instructed by Delhi Approach to descend and maintain FL-150 (15,000 feet). Suddenly at 1840 hours the blips of the two aircraft disappeared from the radar screen, as the two aircraft had collided. There was no casualty on the ground. The wreckage of Saudi Boeing 747 aircraft fell near village Dhani in Bhiwani District of Haryana and that of Kazakhastan IL-76 aircraft was lying near village Birohar in Rohtak District. Standing crops at the site of accident were damaged due to fire, impact and rescue operations. Ahmedabad airport resumes operations after brief shutdown following Air India flight crash July 11, 1996 Archana Airways L-410 aircraft VT-ETC was operating flight on Delhi-Shimla-Bhunter- Delhi sector on 11.07.96. The flight upto Shimla was unenventful. The aircraft took-off from Shimla with 9 persons including three flight crew members. At 0855 hrs. aircraft hit and crashed into a hill and caught fire near Kanda village. The Aircraft was totally destroyed and all the persons on board received fatal injuries and three persons on ground have also suffered injuries. May 18, 1996 Archana Airways L-410 aircraft VT-ETB was operating a scheduled flight from Delhi to Kanpur civil aerodrome on 18.05.96. The flight from Delhi to Kanpur was uneventful. The aircraft took-off from Delhi with 19 persons including three light crew. During landing, the aircraft touched down late and could not be stopped within the available runway length and went beyond the runway. The aircraft hit the boundary wall of the airport and came to halt. The aircraft sustained major damages. There was no fire and no injury to persons on board the aircraft. December 2, 1995 Indian Airlines B-737 aircraft VT-ECS was operating flight IC-492 of 2.12.95 under the command of Capt. Adil Mistry with co-pilot Sandeep Marwah and four cabin crew. The flight upto Jaipur was uneventful. Aircraft took-off from Jaipur with 98+4 passengers. Aircraft landed at Delhi at 1253 hrs. After landing the aircraft could not be stopped within the available runway length and went beyond the runway into kutcha. The aircraft was substantially damaged. There was minor fire. Six passengers received minor injuries. July 1, 1995 East West F-27 aircraft was engaged in a training flight at Baroda airport on 1.7.1995. The aircraft was under the command of an Examiner pilot with the trainee pilot on right hand seat. The first touch and go exercise was uneventful. During the second exercise, immediately on touchdown the left main landing gear failed at its shock strut outer cylinder and the inner cylinder with the main wheel assembly attached to it got liberated. The aircraft continued moving forward with the remaining portion of left shock strut contacting the runway followed by the left engine propellers and fuselage bottom and finally came to rest on the runway left side strip. There was no fire and no injury to persons on board the aircraft. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. December 17, 1994 Indian Airlines A-320 aircraft VT-EPM was operating a scheduled flight from Madras to Hyderabad on 17.12.1994. The aircraft was under the command of Capt. C.J. Bhoopal with Capt. Sree Nair as First Officer. In all there were 144 persons on board the aircraft. After reaching over Hyderabad airfield, the aircraft did normal descent and was cleared for VOR DME approach for Runway 09. Aftertouchdown when the aircraft was rolling, it was hit by an unauthorised outsider on moped, who was attempting to cross the runway. The aircraft continued rolling with normal braking. The moped rider died on the spot and his body was ragmented into pieces and scattered all over the runway. Aircraft sustained slight damage. November 15, 1993 Indian Airlines Airbus A-300 aircraft VT-EDV was operating scheduled flight IC-440 (Madras- Hyderabad sector) on 15.11.1993. There were a total of 262 persons were on board the aircraft including 247+3 passengers and 12 crew members. The aircraft could not land at Hyderabad due to low visibility and carried out a missed approach. After the missed approach, the aircraft reported Flap Problem and was holding overhead at Hyderabad during which the flight crew enquired visibility at nearby Air Force airfields which was also low. The aircraft then diverted to Madras. Due to flaps problem, the crew had to maintain low speed and low altitude as a result of which it experienced fuel shortage and sought permission from Madras control for landing at Tirupati. However, the aircraft could not reach even Tirupati airport and executed forced landing in an open paddy field about 14 nautical miles from Tirupati airport. The aircraft dragged on the soft paddy field before coming to final stop. There was no fire. Passenger evacuation was carried out by means of escape slides. All the persons on board escaped unhurt except four who received minor injuries. April 26, 1993 Indian Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft VT-ECQ was operating scheduled flight IC-491 from Delhi- Jaipur-Udaipur-Aurangabad-Bombay on 26.4.1993. The flight from Delhi to Aurangabad was uneventful. The aircraft took-off from Aurangabad with 118 persons on board. Aircraft lifted up almost at the end of runway and impacted heavily with a lorry carrying pressed cotton bales running from North to South on a highway at a distance of about 410 feet from the end of runway. The aircraft left main landing gear, left engine bottom cowling and thrust reverser impacted the left side of the truck at a height of nearly seven feet from the level of the road. Thereafter the aircraft hit the high tension electric wires nearly 3 kms North-East of the runway and hit the ground. In all 55 persons received fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed due to post impact fire. January 9, 1993 On 9th January, 1993 TU-154 aircraft No. 85533 wet leased by Indian Airlines from Uzbekistan Airways was operating flight IC-840 from Hyderabad to Delhi. The aircraft was being flown by Uzbeki operating crew and there were 165 persons on board including the crew. The aircraft touched down slightly outside the right edge of the runway, collided with some fixed installations on the ground, got airborne once again and finally touched down on kutcha ground on the right side of the runway. At this stage the right wing and the tail of the aircraft broke away and it came to rest in an inverted position. During the process, the aircraft caught fire and was destroyed. Most occupants of the aircraft escaped unhurt. Six persons suffered either limb fracture or other serious injuries while 45 persons suffered injuries of a minor nature. Boeing stock tumbles over 7% in pre-market following Air India crash September 4, 1992 Indian Airlines B-737 aircraft VT-EGJ was operating scheduled flight IC-493 (Udaipur-Bombay sector) on 4.9.92. During take-off roll, the aircraft hit an Aerodrome Attendant (Chowkidar) on the runway centerline, who received fatal injuries. The aircraft continued with the take-off roll, got airborne and subsequently landed uneventfully at its destination Bombay. January 10, 1992 Air Lanka B-737 aircraft was engaged in a Scheduled International Passenger flight from Colombo to Madras on 10.1.1992. During landing on Runway 07 at Madras airport, the right landing gear attachment failed and right engine bottom contacting runway surface immediately on touchdown. The aircraft started swerving towards the right of runway center line as it moved forward on its wheels with right engine cowling and bottom rubbing the runway surface. The aircraft finally came to stop with its nose wheel and failed right main landing gear entering the grassy side strip soon after crossing the Delta taxiway. The fire emanating from the right engine was extinguished by the Safety Services and the crew and passengers evacuated the aircraft through the left side exit doors by means of the slide chutes. August 16, 1991 Indian Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft VT-EFL while operating flight IC-257 (Calcutta-Imphal) on 16.8.91 crashed about 20 nautical miles from the Imphal airport. The aircraft had earlier taken off from Calcutta at 0615 hrs UTC and it lost contact with Imphal airport at 0716 hrs UTC at approximately 5000 feet on ILS. The aircraft was under the command of Capt. Shekhar Haldar with Capt. D.B. Roychoudhary as First Officer. There were a total of 68+1 persons on board the aircraft including crewmembers. All the 69 persons died in the accident. The aircraft was completely destroyed. May 7, 1990 Air India Boeing 747 aircraft VT-EBO was operating flight AI-132 (London-Delhi-Bombay). During landing at Delhi Airport, on 7.5.1990, its left outboard engine (No. 1 Engine) partially separated from its wing attachment and consequently left wing caught fire which was quickly extinguished by the Airport Safety Services. The passengers were safely evacuated through slide chutes. The left wing of the aircraft was substantially damaged. February 14, 1990 Indian Airlines Airbus A-320 aircraft VT-EPN was operating Bombay-Bangalore sector on 14.2.1990. The aircraft took off from Bombay at 11:58 hours. There were 146 persons on board which included the two cockpit crew, five cabin crew, and four infants. The flight from Bombay to Bangalore was uneventful. During the final approach to Runway 09 at Bangalore the aircraft first contacted ground within the boundary of the Karnataka Golf Association approximately 2300 ft. prior to the beginning of Runway 09. The aircraft went up into the air for a very short duration after which it again contacted the ground on all three gears and then hit an embankment at the boundary of the golf course. The aircraft finally came to rest outside the boundary wall of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed due to impact and fire. In all 92 persons on board including two pilots and two cabin crew died in the accident.
Gujarats Asiatic lion count leaps from 674 to 891 in five years
AHMEDABAD: In a major conservation milestone, Gujarats Asiatic lion population has soared to 891 a sharp 32.2% jump (from 674) since 2020, with 217 new lions added in just five years. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the surge on Wednesday, unveiling results from the 16th Asiatic Lion Census conducted earlier this month. The latest figures signal a resounding success for Gujarats wildlife conservation efforts, reaffirming the states position as the last natural habitat of the endangered species. PM Modi praised the effort of Gujarat government. The big cats, once largely confined to Gir National Park, are now sprawling across 11 districts of the Saurashtra region including non-forested and coastal zones, a testament to their expanding territory and rising numbers. The number of lions in the state has gradually increased not just because of favorable geography and climate, but due to our government's consistent and careful approach to wildlife conservation, said the Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Providing a detailed account, he noted, There were 327 lions in 2001, 359 in 2005, 411 in 2010, 523 in 2015, and 674 in 2020. Today, the lion population stands at 891. He further credited the shift in census methodology to Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, saying, As Chief Minister, Shri Narendrabhai Modi introduced the 'Total Count by Direct Sighting at Block System' method, replacing the traditional estimation model. Prime Minister praised the effort. Very exciting information! It's truly gratifying to see that the efforts under 'Project Lion' are creating a favorable environment and ensuring the protection of lions in Gujarat, the Prime Minister posted on social media platform X. The 2020 census had pegged the number at 674, all within Gir and surrounding areas. The latest count reveals not just a population boom but also a major geographical shift: 507 lions were spotted outside Girs boundaries, while 384 remain within the traditional sanctuary limits, according to Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. The lion stronghold now includes protected areas like Pania, Mitiyala, Girnar, and Barda sanctuaries. Notably, 17 lions were recorded in Barda, just 15 km from Porbandar, while Bhavnagar district reported the largest single pride 17 lions in one group. The demographic breakdown, provided by the Gujarat Forest Department, estimates 196 males, 330 females, 140 sub-adults, and 225 cubs, painting a robust picture of the species health and future. This extensive wildlife mapping was the result of a meticulous four-day census conducted from May 10 to 13 across 58 talukas, covering 35,000 sq km. The operation, carried out in two phases, involved over 3,000 volunteers including forest officials, enumerators, and inspectors. For the first time, officials deployed a refined method known as direct beat verification, praised for its near-zero margin of error and 100% accuracy, made possible by hi-tech tools like camera traps, high-resolution imaging, GPS tracking, and radio collars. The lion census, conducted every five years, documented key data like time of sighting, direction of movement, physical identifiers, and precise GPS coordinates. The 11 districts where lions were sighted are: Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar, and Botad. This dramatic expansion of habitat and population underscores both the resilience of the Asiatic lion and the rigorous conservation efforts undertaken by the Gujarat Forest Department a rare ecological triumph in the modern era. CENSUS SNAPSHOT (20012025): 2001: 327 2005: 359 2010: 411 2015: 523 2020: 674 2025: 891 Territory Expands Beyond Gir: Lions now roam 11 districts, including: Junagadh | Bhavnagar | Porbandar | Jamnagar Even in coastal & non-forested zones 507 lions spotted outside Gir Sanctuary 384 within core Gir zone Habitat Hotspots: Barda Sanctuary: 17 lions Bhavnagar: 17 lions in one pride Pania | Mitiyala | Girnar | Population Breakdown: Males: 196 Females: 330 Sub-adults: 140 Cubs: 225 High-Tech Census, Near-Zero Error: 3,000+ field staff 35,000 sq km covered 58 talukas, 4 days Tools: GPS, camera traps, radio collars Direct Beat Verification used for first time
Gujarat: 3 brothers among 5 killed in road accident near Dholera
A tragic accident occurred near Dholera in Ahmedabad district. An SUV collided with a car, resulting in five fatalities. The victims include three brothers and a woman. The accident took place on the Ahmedabad-Bhavnagar highway near Sandheda village. Police arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations. The injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Bhavnagar.
17 killed in rain-related mishaps across Gujarat, several injured
Unseasonal rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds have tragically resulted in 17 deaths across Gujarat in the past 24 hours. The severe weather, impacting 168 talukas, caused fatalities due to lightning, electrocution, and structural collapses. Amreli and Bhavnagar experienced heavy rainfall and fierce winds, providing relief from the heat but causing significant damage to crops like mango, onion, sesame, and bajra.
Gujarat: 70% citizens registered with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
Gujarat has registered over 70% of its population under the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) as part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). The state has digitally linked over 2.26 crore health records and registered over 17,800 health facilities and 42,000 healthcare professionals. Bhavnagar's ABDM microsite excelled, and the 'Scan & Share' feature is improving healthcare access.
