The tragic Air India plane crash that happened in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, has shaken the entire nation. The London-bound Air India flight, AI171, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 passengers and multiple people on the ground. While many families are grieving over the confirmed loss of their loved ones, some are still clinging to hope—waiting for news about their missing family members. One such heartbreaking case is that of popular Gujarati filmmaker, Mahesh Jirawala, who is still missing.
Mahesh Jirawala Went Missing On The Same Day As The Crash
Mahesh Jirawala, whose real name is Mahesh Kalawdia, is a known name in the Gujarati film industry. According to his wife, Hetal Jirawala, Mahesh had gone out to meet someone near Law Garden in Ahmedabad on June 12. Around 1:14 PM, he called Hetal to inform her that his meeting was over and that he was heading home.
However, Mahesh never returned home. Hetal tried calling him again, but his phone was switched off. The family got worried and filed a missing person report with the police.
His Last Known Location Was Just 700 Metres From The Crash Site
After police traced his mobile location, it showed that Mahesh was only 700 metres away from the crash site in Meghaninagar, where the aircraft hit a residential building at B.J. Medical College hostel.
Adding more mystery to the case, his phone was switched off at 1:40 PM, just a minute after the flight took off from Ahmedabad airport. This timing has deeply worried the family, as it closely matches the timeline of the crash.
Hetal told PTI:
“My husband called me at 1.14 PM to tell me his meeting is over and that he is on his way home. However, when he did not return, I called him, but the phone was switched off. After we informed the police, the last location showed he was just 700 metres from the crash site.”
Scooter And Phone Still Missing – Family Finds His Route Unusual
The family also shared that Mahesh’s scooter and phone are missing since that day. What is puzzling is that he never takes that route (via Meghaninagar) to return home. Usually, he travels from Law Garden to Naroda without going through the area where the crash happened.
Hetal further said:
“His phone switched off around 1:40 PM—just a minute after the flight took off. His scooter and phone are also missing, which is highly unusual, as he never takes that route to return home.”
Family Fears He Might Be A Ground Victim
This tragic accident has taken 265 lives, including 241 onboard and people present near the B.J. Medical College hostel at the time of the crash. Mahesh’s family now fears that he may have been one of the ground victims, who were caught in the chaos when the plane came down in the middle of a residential area.
The family has submitted DNA samples and is currently waiting for the official confirmation from authorities. Until then, they continue to hope for some positive news about Mahesh’s whereabouts.
Who Was Mahesh Jirawala?
Mahesh Jirawala, also known as Mahesh Kalawdia, is a well-known filmmaker in the Gujarati film industry. His contributions to regional cinema and local storytelling have made him a respected name in Gujarat. Mahesh was also an active figure in cultural circles and loved for his humble nature.
A Nation Mourns, Families Await Closure
The Ahmedabad Air India crash has become one of the most heartbreaking aviation disasters in recent years. While the families of many victims are preparing for last rites, others like Hetal Jirawala and her children are left in uncertainty, waiting every minute for news about their loved one.
This case not only highlights the tragedy of lives lost but also the pain of not knowing, which is even harder to bear. The disappearance of Mahesh Jirawala adds another layer of sorrow to an already devastating incident.
💔 Heartfelt condolences to all the families affected by the crash. May they find strength, and may the missing loved ones be found or identified soon.