Will Aparna Mahadik’s Daughter Ever See Her Again? Family Devastated by AI Plane Crash

Mumbai, June 14 (NationPress) The devastating Air India crash has left a profound impact across Maharashtra, shattering families and igniting a wave of mourning in communities. Among the deceased is Aparna Mahadik, a dedicated cabin crew member related to NCP MP Sunil Tatkare.

Her family remains in shock, grappling with the overwhelming loss. Aparna's young daughter, not fully grasping the tragedy, clings to her mother’s last words: “Mom said she’ll return.”

She persistently dials her mother’s phone, yearning for a response, while her father is in Ahmedabad handling DNA testing and necessary formalities.

Aparna’s sister-in-law, Aditi Tatkare, the Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister, shared that the family has chosen to withhold the heartbreaking truth from the child until the DNA results are available.

“It’s devastating. Aparna was a resilient, nurturing individual who managed both her professional and personal life with grace. Just a few days ago, all the siblings had gathered after years, even celebrating a niece’s birthday. In an instant, everything changed,” she expressed.

Tatkare reflected on Aparna’s journey — raised in Bengaluru by a single mother after losing her father at a young age, she effortlessly adapted to Maharashtrian culture post-marriage and was on the cusp of a promotion.

“Even our Labrador has been different since the tragedy. She was truly the heart of our home,” she added, fighting back tears.

Another victim, Shraddha Dhawan, the in-cabin supervisor, left her family in disbelief. Just hours before the flight, Shraddha reassured her loved ones that she’d return shortly. Her husband, also employed by Air India, hurried back from Delhi as their 15-year-old daughter, a Class 10 student, is currently facing her school exams.

“Shraddha was incredibly caring and maintained close contact while flying,” noted her cousin Srishti. Society secretary Chanchal Das remembered Shraddha as friendly and approachable. Her brother, residing in the US, is en route to Ahmedabad to finalize formalities.

In the village of Nhava in Panvel taluka, the home of flight attendant Maithili Patil has become a hub for villagers offering their sympathies. Maithili, who had been with Air India for two years, had called her father on Thursday morning to share that she was flying to London. Hours later, the family faced the devastating news of the crash.

“We are still praying for her safety,” expressed a relative. Maithili, who cherished devotional music and loved animals, was well-respected in her community. “She recently inspired aviation students at a TS Rehman College event,” shared villager Vaibhav Mhatre, recalling her ambition and warmth.

In Powai, mourners are still visiting the family of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, the pilot lost in the crash. His 88-year-old father is heartbroken. “Sumeet had promised to come home and retire soon to care for his father,” a neighbor remarked, highlighting the tragic unfulfilled promise.

In Dombivli, the Songhare family is mourning Roshni Songhare, a 27-year-old flight attendant who joined Air India two years ago. Her mother, Rajshree, continues to wish for a miracle. “Roshni called before the flight to say goodbye. We never thought it would be the last time,” a family member noted. Roshni had always dreamed of becoming a flight attendant and previously worked with SpiceJet.

“She persevered despite challenging circumstances,” a relative stated. The family had relocated from Grant Road to Dombivli in recent years, with her father, a technician, encouraging both his children to pursue their dreams.

Deepak Pathak from Badlapur, another crew member, spoke to his mother from Ahmedabad just prior to take-off. He had dedicated 11 years to Air India. His family, unable to reach him post-crash, hurried to Ahmedabad. A friend recalled, “He posted something on Facebook that morning. None of us believed it would be his last.”

The sorrow is profound, but so are the calls for accountability and reform. Friends, family, and colleagues hope this tragedy will lead to heightened safety protocols to prevent such devastating losses in the future.

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)