AI crash: Agra couple's daughter gives DNA sample for identification of bodies

Agra: A day after the Air India Dreamliner crashed in Ahmedabad, the family of an Agra-based couple travelled to the city to gather information and initiate the process of claiming the bodies.
Neeraj Lavania (51) and his wife, Aparna Lavania (50), among the passengers on the ill-fated London-bound flight, were planning a vacation in the UK, where a relative resides.
S
peaking to TOI, Neeraj's elder brother Satish Lavania said, "I reached Ahmedabad this afternoon, and we are making all efforts to obtain details. The couple's daughter has already submitted her DNA sample as mandated by the authorities."
Regarding the couple's final rites, he said, "We are yet to decide whether the cremation will take place in Agra or Vadodara. Neeraj's in-laws live in Vadodara, and we'll consult with them before proceeding. I'd also like to thank Fatehpur Sikri MP Rajkumar Chahar for facilitating our air tickets from Delhi to Ahmedabad."
Originally from Agra's Akola block, Neeraj had relocated to Vadodara around 17 years ago for work after completing his education at Agra College.
He held a senior position at NielsenIQ in Vadodara. The couple's daughter, Arpana Lavania (18), is currently pursuing her graduation in Vadodara.
Rajeev Saraswat, a BSF sub-inspector and Neeraj's childhood friend, said, "We studied together. I'm devastated by the news of their deaths. Neeraj had a big heart and always stepped forward to help others."
Air India confirmed early Friday that only one of the 242 people onboard flight AI171 to Gatwick survived. The aircraft crashed soon after take-off from Ahmedabad. The flight was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals and 1 Canadian national. The sole survivor is a British national of Indian origin.
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