124 bodies handed over to kin, 23 more likely today

DNA PROFILING OF ALL THE VICTIMS WOULD BE COMPLETED BY WEDNESDAY, A SENIOR STATE HEALTH DEPT OFFICIAL SAID

- Ateeq Shaikh and Maulik Pathak

AHMEDABAD: The bodies of 124 victims of Air India flight 171, which crashed in Ahmedabad last week, have been handed over to their relatives, officials aware of the matter said on Tuesday, adding that DNA profiling of all victims was nearing completion and will be completed by Wednesday.

"So far, DNA of 163 mortal remains have been matched and 124 have been handed over. Another 23 will be given by Wednesday morning," Dr Rakesh S Joshi, medical superintendent of Ahmedabad's Civil Hospital said during a press conference.

The handover of four bodies remained stalled over legal disputes, Joshi said.

He added that 12 other remains will be handed over once the DNA profiling of relatives killed in the tragedy will be completed. "12 families are waiting for the results... Handing over of four bodies is on hold due to some legal issues," he said.