The identification process for the body of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is still underway, according to Dr. Rajnish Patel, Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad. This announcement comes in the wake of the tragic Air India Flight AI171 crash that occurred on June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport.
The crash, involving a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, resulted in the deaths of 241 passengers and crew members on board. In addition, 38 people on the ground were killed when the plane crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel complex. The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, is currently receiving treatment at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.
Given the severity of the crash and the resulting damage to the bodies, identification efforts are heavily reliant on DNA matching. Dr. Patel confirmed that the hospital administration has not yet been able to match the DNA samples with those of Vijay Rupani.
As of today, June 15, 2025, authorities at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital have successfully identified 31 victims through DNA testing. Nine more bodies of AI 171 crash victims were handed over to their families, bringing the total to 12. The deceased were from Udaipur (Rajasthan), and Kheda, Vadodara, Visnagar, and Ahmedabad (Gujarat). Three bodies had been handed over earlier on Saturday. Families of the identified victims have been notified to collect the remains. State and national forensic teams are working to match more samples.
The delay in identifying Vijay Rupani's body adds to the grief and uncertainty for his family and supporters. Rupani, who served as Chief Minister of Gujarat from August 2016 to September 2021, was a well-respected figure in the state's political landscape. His sudden death has been met with widespread শোক and condolences from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Rupani's family and expressed his condolences, describing him as a humble and hardworking leader committed to the BJP's ideology.
Rupani's "lucky" number, 1206, has become a poignant symbol of the tragedy. The number, which featured prominently on his vehicles throughout his life, mirrors the date of the crash, June 12th (12/06).
The city of Rajkot, which Rupani represented in the Gujarat legislative assembly, observed a shutdown as a sign of respect for the former Chief Minister. He is remembered as the architect of modern Rajkot, with significant contributions to the city's infrastructure, including the AIIMS and the international airport.
As the identification process continues, families of the victims are grappling with immense grief and are anxious for closure. The Ahmedabad Civil Hospital is providing support and counseling to the families, and authorities are working diligently to expedite the DNA matching process.
