In the tragic Air India AI171 crash that claimed the lives of all 241 people on board, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the victims. Recent developments have confirmed the identity of the late CM, after DNA tests officially matched with his mortal remains. His family has already been informed about the same, and further proceedings are underway.
DNA matching confirms the remains of veteran leader, Vijay Rupani
On the fateful day of June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed merely moments after takeoff and immediately caught on fire, killing 241 out of the 242 people on board, including Gujarat’s former CM, Vijay Rupani.
While the identification of the charred bodies is still underway, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi confirmed that DNA reports matching the veteran leader’s remains arrived today at 11:10 A.M. Soon after, the late Ex-CM’s remains were handed over to his family for the final rites. Sanghvi stated while addressing the media:
“Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani lost his life during the Air India crash in Ahmedabad on 12th June. Today, at around 11:10 AM, his DNA has matched. He worked for the people of the state for several years.”
Vijay Rupani was not originally supposed to fly that day
In a heartbreaking twist, reports now reveal that former CM Vijay Rupani had initially booked flights for May 19 and June 5, 2025, but both were cancelled. Regrettedly, he boarded the ill-fated Air India flight on June 12, 2025, on his way to reunite with his wife and daughter in London. His last photo was taken by a fellow passenger on the flight. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Gujarat the next day, personally meeting Rupani’s family to offer heartfelt condolences and extend the Centre’s full support during this difficult time.
The Gujarat government has assured complete support to Vijay Rupani’s family for his last rites in Rajkot. Preparations are ongoing at his Prakash Society residence, where mourners are arriving to pay their respects. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel personally visited the grieving family to convey the DNA confirmation and offer the state’s help in organising the veteran leader’s final farewell. Speaking to the media, Harsh Sanhvi added:
“CM Bhupendra Patel went to the residence of former CM Vijay Rupani and informed his family that his DNA matching has been done. CM has also informed the family that the state government will support them in the further proceedings of the last rites in Rajkot. The family members will decide when they will take over his mortal remains.”
The tragic Air India crash that shook the nation
Flight AI171 crashed approximately just 32 seconds after takeoff, hitting a building inside the BJ Medical College campus in Meghaninagar, barely a kilometre from the runway, immediately breaking into a massive fire. While the black box has been recovered, investigators from the DGCA, AAIB, and Boeing are working to decode the data and determine the cause of the horrific crash.
The fiery impact not only claimed the lives of passengers but also killed several MBBS students and other residents in the hostel. According to the latest reports, three more bodies have been recovered from the wreckage, bringing the death toll up to 270. So far, 32 victims have been identified through DNA tests. Civil Hospital officials stated that 14 bodies have already been handed over to their families, while efforts are ongoing to identify the rest.
Our deepest condolences to the grieving families of the ill-fated crash victims!
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