Rajesh Patel, a 57-year-old construction worker and resident of Shahibaug, has emerged as a symbol of honesty and courage in the aftermath of the devastating Air India plane crash that struck the BJ Medical College complex on June 12.
Patel was among the first responders to reach the crash site, just 300 metres from his home. As fire engulfed the wreckage, Patel immediately rushed into action, helping move injured people and bodies to ambulances using makeshift stretchers made from old sarees, bedsheets, and sacks.
Once the fire was brought under control, Patel stayed back to search for personal belongings scattered around the smouldering remains of the aircraft. “We found 10 to 15 burnt handbags. From those, we recovered nearly 70 tolas of gold jewellery, some silver items, Rs 50,000 in cash, a few US dollars, passports, and even a copy of the Bhagavad Gita,” said Patel. All the items were promptly handed over to the police.
Patel’s selfless actions have been widely praised. He previously volunteered during the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts, where he lost two close friends at the Civil Hospital trauma centre.
Inspector DB Basiya of the Meghaninagar police station confirmed that a team is cataloguing all valuables recovered from the crash site. “Once the list is complete, we’ll coordinate with Air India and return the items to the victims’ families after proper verification,” he said.
Gujarat Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, also acknowledged the ongoing efforts. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on June 16, he assured the public that “each and every found item will be returned.” He highlighted the return of gold jewellery to the family of Veenaben Agheda, a victim of the crash, as an example of the administration’s commitment.
The tragic crash involved an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London, carrying 242 people. It crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 on board and 29 on the ground, including five medical students. One passenger miraculously survived.
In the face of such tragedy, Patel’s honest and compassionate response has brought a small ray of humanity to a heart-wrenching event.
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