New Delhi, June 21 -- Air India crew member Deepak Pathak, who died in Ahmedabad plane crash on June 12, was cremated on Saturday at a Badlapur crematorium in the presence of thousands of mourners.

Tears rolled down the faces as the coffin arrived at his residence in Rawal Complex on Ambernath-Badlapur Road.

His body was handed over to his family members after a nine-day-long identification process, confirmed through DNA testing.

34-year-old Pathak, who had been serving the national carrier for the past 11 years, was among the crew members aboard the ill-fated London-bound flight AI-171, carrying 242 passengers.

Pathak's large portrait accompanied the coffin, standing as a silent tribute as mourners offered floral respects.

The funer...