Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who tragically lost his life in the devastating Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, will be laid to rest on Monday with full state honours. The Gujarat government has declared a one-day state mourning to honour the BJP veteran and former Rajkot legislator.
His remains were officially identified through a complex DNA testing process three days after the crash, which has been labelled as one of the worst aviation disasters in Indian history.
DNA Confirms Identity of Ex-Gujarat CM
The confirmation of Vijay Rupani’s identity came after meticulous efforts by a large team of forensic and medical experts. Due to the severe condition of the victims’ remains, identification could only be made through DNA matching with close family members.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced the confirmation of Rupani’s identity on Sunday morning, bringing closure to a tragic wait for his family and supporters.
“Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and I visited the late Vijaybhai Rupani’s residence and informed the family that his DNA has been confirmed,” Sanghavi stated.
Rajkot to Host Last Rites, Public Tribute Expected
Vijay Rupani’s last rites will be held in Rajkot, the city he represented in the Gujarat Assembly and where he built strong political roots. Gujarat Health Minister Rishikesh Patel confirmed that the government will make all arrangements for the funeral once the family finalizes the preparations.
“After discussions with the family, all necessary state arrangements for the cremation will be facilitated,” Rishikesh Patel added.
State MLA Reenaben Patel said many supporters and well-wishers in Rajkot are eager to pay their last respects to the leader they admired. A large turnout is expected as Rajkot prepares for an emotional farewell.
The Crash and Aftermath
The fatal crash occurred on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad en route to London. Moments after takeoff, the aircraft crashed into a residential and institutional area, including the student hostel of BJ Medical College.
Of the 242 people on board the flight, 241 perished. Only one passenger a British-Indian tech entrepreneur seated in 11A survived. The crash also resulted in dozens of casualties on the ground.
Vijay Rupani was among the passengers flying to London to visit his wife and daughter. His untimely death has shocked the state’s political landscape, as he remained a respected figure within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) even after stepping down as Chief Minister in 2021.
Forensic Challenges and DNA Identification
The condition of many bodies made immediate identification nearly impossible. Authorities had to rely on DNA testing, a multi-step and highly accurate process. According to medical officials, DNA matching typically takes 48–72 hours, but some cases may require repeat sampling if the collected material is insufficient.
In Rupani’s case, confirmation came only after three full days of testing and verification. Forensic teams worked around the clock, matching samples from victims’ remains with those voluntarily provided by relatives.
“The process is medically and legally complex. We only hand over bodies once full DNA confirmation is achieved,” a senior medical officer at the Civil Hospital stated.
Political and Public Response
As news of Rupani’s confirmed death spread, political leaders and members of the public began expressing their condolences. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel described the former CM as a “pillar of strength” for Gujarat and a “people’s leader.”
The one-day mourning declared by the Gujarat government includes the national flag flying at half-mast and suspension of official state functions. Political allies from across India are expected to attend the funeral in Rajkot.
The death of Vijay Rupani in the Air India crash has left a deep void in Gujarat’s political arena. His contributions to the state, both as a legislator and as Chief Minister, are being remembered as he receives a final farewell with full state honours. His legacy will continue through the people and projects he championed, even as Gujarat mourns his sudden departure.
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