Families of other city-based crew still awaiting remains

Saineeta Chakravarti, 35, was among 12 crew members on board the AI 171 flight that crashed

- Shreya Jachak

MUMBAI: The last rites and funeral of flight attendant Saineeta Chakravarti, 35, one of the victims of the fateful June 12 Air India crash in Ahmedabad, took place at her home in Santacruz on Monday, after her DNA sample matched with that of her family. Chakravarti's remains were the first from the 12-member crew, most of whom were from Mumbai, to be brought to the city.

Over 100 people gathered at her modest home at Juhu Koliwada and later at her funeral at the Santacruz Hindu Crematorium, amid heavy rain. Among her family members, distant relatives, and neighbours were her fellow Air India crew members and former colleagues from her previous stint at GoAir.

While some colleagues had taken a day off from work, others had flown down to Mumbai and rushed to the funeral directly from the airport to pay their respects. They all spoke fondly of Chakravarti. "She was always courteous and had a smile on her face. She was very communicative and understanding," said her Air India colleague and friend of eight years, who did not want to be named.