The identity of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who tragically died in the Air India flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, has been officially confirmed through DNA testing. The results were received at 11:10 am on Sunday, June 15, 2025, bringing a close to the anxious wait for his family and supporters.
Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The aircraft, carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, went down in the Meghaninagar area, causing a massive tragedy with only one survivor. The crash claimed the lives of all others on board, including the former Chief Minister, as well as causing casualties on the ground.
The news of Vijay Rupani's death sent shockwaves across Gujarat and the nation. Tributes poured in from political leaders across party lines, remembering him as a humble, hardworking, and dedicated leader. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Rupani's family in Ahmedabad, expressing his grief and offering condolences. He described Rupani as a person deeply committed to the BJP's ideology and someone he had known and worked with for decades.
The identification process of the victims has been a painstaking task, with DNA testing being crucial. Following the crash, bodies were moved to cold storage at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital as families grappled with grief. In the case of Vijay Rupani, initial attempts at identification through his sister's DNA did not yield a match. Subsequently, his son provided DNA samples, which ultimately confirmed his identity.
As the news of the DNA match spread, preparations began in full swing for Rupani's final rites. The Gujarat government is likely to declare a day of state mourning in his memory. His hometown, Rajkot, is preparing for a grand funeral procession to allow citizens to pay their last respects to their beloved leader. Markets and schools in Rajkot remained closed on Saturday as a mark of respect. The funeral procession is scheduled to commence from his residence in Prakash Society, passing through key areas of the city before reaching the crematorium. Rajkot Police have issued traffic restrictions along the funeral route in anticipation of a large turnout.
Vijay Rupani served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from August 2016 to September 2021. He was a member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, representing the Rajkot West constituency. Rupani's political journey began as a student activist, and he rose through the ranks of the BJP, holding various key positions. During his tenure as Chief Minister, he oversaw several development projects in Gujarat, including the establishment of AIIMS and the new Rajkot International Airport.
Beyond his political achievements, Rupani was known for his simplicity, accessibility, and deep spiritual grounding. He maintained a close connection with the people of Rajkot, where he was regarded not just as a political figure but as a neighbor and friend. His sudden and tragic demise has left a void in the hearts of many, and his contributions to Gujarat will be remembered for years to come.
