Ahmedabad: The death of Gujarati filmmaker Mahesh Jirawala has been officially confirmed, days after the devastating Air India crash that claimed over 270 lives. DNA testing identified the 34-year-old among the victims whose remains were recovered in a severely charred condition from the wreckage.

Jirawala was reported missing by his family after the June 12 accident in which an ill-fated Air India flight crashed while travelling from Ahmedabad to London. The aircraft crashed into the BJ Medical Hostel in Shahibaug, causing widespread destruction.

Initially, Jirawala’s family was in denial even after DNA tests identified his remains. However, further investigation, including forensic evidence like the engine and chassis number of a burnt Activa scooter found at the site, as well as CCTV footage, helped authorities conclusively confirm his identity.

Following these confirmations, the body was released to the family. Jirawala, whose full name was Mahesh Girdharbhai Kalawadia, was known professionally in Gujarat’s entertainment circles as Mahesh Jirawala. He was active in the regional music and short film scene and ran his own label Mahesh Jirawala Productions. His notable works included the 2019 Gujarati film ‘Cocktail Premi: Paw of Revenge’, featuring Asha Panchal and Vritti Thakkar.

A resident of Naroda, Jirawala often shared updates about his creative ventures on social media. When he failed to return home, his brother Kartikbhai had filed a missing person report with the Naroda Police Station.

His identification marks part of a broader operation by authorities to match DNA samples from the site with those of relatives. According to officials, as of June 20, DNA confirmations have been made for 220 victims, and 202 sets of mortal remains have been handed over to families.

The crash continues to be under investigation, with officials focused on determining the cause of the tragedy and providing closure to the families of those who perished.