KKN Gurugram Desk | In a tragic and heart-wrenching twist of fate, a British Indian citizen who had traveled to India to immerse his wife’s ashes in the sacred Narmada River died in the devastating Air India AI 171 plane crash shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport. His two young daughters, already mourning their mother’s recent death from cancer, have now been orphaned in just 18 days.

The aircraft, which was headed to London, crashed minutes after takeoff on June 12, killing dozens on board. Among the deceased was Arjun Patolia, a 40-year-old man originally from Gujarat who had been residing in London for the last 17 years. Arjun was traveling alone, carrying the ashes of his wife Bharti Patolia, who succumbed to cancer on May 26.

 What Happened in the Ahmedabad Plane Crash?

The Air India AI 171 flight was en route to London Heathrow when it suffered a fatal malfunction shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad. It plunged near the outskirts of the city, killing several passengers and crew on board.

Arjun, who was scheduled to return to his daughters Ria and Kiara in London on the same day, became one of the victims confirmed through DNA testing. His mother, Kanchan Patolia, had just come from Surat to bid farewell to her grieving son and was en route to Vadodara when she received the devastating news.

 Family Devastated: Two Orphaned Girls in London

According to Kanchan, Arjun’s mother, the family is reeling from two back-to-back tragedies. “On May 26, we lost Bharti to cancer, and now just days later, Arjun too is gone. My granddaughters have lost both their parents within 18 days,” she said, holding back tears.

Arjun had left his daughters with his younger brother Gopal Patolia, who lives in London with his wife. The couple, married for eight years, have no children and may now have to take custody of the girls.

“We will sit down as a family and decide who will raise the girls. If needed, I will move to London and help raise my granddaughters myself,” Kanchan added.

 DNA Test Confirms Identity, Cremation Preparations Underway

Arjun’s body was identified through DNA sampling, which was collected from his mother at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. The family is now awaiting the release of his remains to perform the last rites.

A family member confirmed to KKNLive, “Preparations for the cremation are underway. Once Arjun’s body is released, we will perform the final rites in Gujarat. Only after that will we make decisions about the children’s guardianship.”

 Arjun Came to Fulfill Wife’s Last Wish

Arjun had arrived in India earlier this month to fulfill his wife Bharti’s final wish — to have her ashes immersed in the Narmada River, a sacred tradition in Hinduism.

He left his daughters in the care of his brother and was traveling solo when the plane he boarded crashed shortly after takeoff. His journey, meant to bring spiritual closure, turned into a catastrophic end.

 Patolia Family Background: From Gujarat to London

The Patolia family originally hails from Wadia village in Amreli district of Gujarat. Kanchan and her husband Ramesh Patolia had moved to Surat years ago, where Ramesh ran a textile shop. After Ramesh’s passing, Kanchan managed the family business herself.

Arjun attended Gurukul School in Katargam, later moved to London, and became a British citizen. He ran a furniture business with his younger brother Gopal. His wife Bharti was originally from Kutch, Gujarat.

Gopal married a Patidar woman in 2017 in Surat and shifted to London in 2023. The two brothers shared the same home and business in the UK.

 Crash News Reached Family via Social Media

The family learned about the Air India flight crash via social media. Kanchan’s nephew Nilkesh called her mid-way through her journey and advised her to deboard at Vadodara, anticipating the need for her DNA sample for body identification.

“She was in shock but cooperated with the process,” said a relative. “She gave her blood sample at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and then returned to Wadia village, devastated.”

 Victims’ Compensation: Tata Group to Pay Aid to Families

The Tata Group, owner of Air India, has announced compensation not only for the passengers who perished in the crash but also for 33 additional victims, including people on the ground affected by the incident.

The scale of destruction has raised concerns about aircraft maintenance, emergency response, and flight takeoff clearance in harsh weather. Authorities have yet to release a full investigative report, but sources cite possible landing gear failure as a contributing factor.

 What’s Next for the Daughters?

The focus now shifts to the future of Arjun’s daughters, Ria and Kiara. Ria is currently studying at a London school. The Patolia family has expressed that a formal family meeting will decide custody, education, and emotional support for the two girls.

Whether they remain in London under Gopal’s guardianship or Kanchan moves abroad to care for them is yet to be finalized.

The Ahmedabad plane crash has become more than just another aviation disaster. For the Patolia family, it is the story of a sacred duty that ended in irreparable loss. A man came to honor his late wife’s last wish — only to lose his life in the process.

As the grieving family prepares for the cremation and legal custody arrangements for the children, the story continues to draw national attention and highlights the deep emotional cost of aviation tragedies.

Stay connected with KKNLive.com for further updates on this incident, passenger compensation, and official investigation reports related to the Air India AI 171 crash.