The aftermath of the tragic Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad continues to unfold, with authorities working tirelessly to identify the victims and provide closure to grieving families. Among those who perished in the crash was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, and recent reports confirm that his DNA has matched, paving the way for his last rites to be performed in his hometown of Rajkot.
The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025. The crash claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew members, as well as at least 33 people on the ground. Only one passenger survived the horrific incident.
Identifying the victims has been a painstaking process, with many bodies severely charred and mutilated. Authorities have been relying on DNA testing to match the remains with family members. As of today, June 15, 2025, 32 bodies have been identified through DNA testing, and 14 have been handed over to their families for last rites.
The DNA profiling of former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has now been completed, confirming his death in the plane crash. Rupani, who served as Gujarat's Chief Minister from August 2016 to September 2021, was headed to London to visit his daughter when the tragedy occurred.
Preparations are underway in Rajkot, Rupani's hometown, for his final journey. His body will be transported on a chartered plane from Ahmedabad to Rajkot. A grand funeral procession is planned, starting from his residence in Prakash Society and passing through various key locations in the city, including Kotecha Chowk, Kalawad Road Underpass, and Malaviya Chowk, before reaching the crematorium. To accommodate the expected large turnout, Rajkot police have issued restrictions on vehicle movement and parking along the funeral route. The city is observing a shutdown as a sign of respect.
The Gujarat government is likely to declare a day of state mourning in memory of the former Chief Minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed his condolences, recalling his close working relationship with Rupani and his contributions to Gujarat in various roles.
Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing. Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha stated that the aircraft had completed its previous legs without any reported issues. However, former Air Force Chief Arup Raha suggested that a critical engine power loss may have been a contributing factor. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), along with other agencies, is conducting a multi-agency probe to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the crash.
In the wake of the tragedy, Air India has announced additional compensation of ₹25 lakh to the families of the victims. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered enhanced safety inspections for Air India's entire Boeing 787 fleet to prevent similar incidents in the future. Over 100 ambulances are on standby to transport the bodies of identified victims to their respective homes for last rites.
The Ahmedabad plane crash has not only claimed numerous lives but has also left a trail of grief and devastation. As families begin to receive the remains of their loved ones, the focus remains on providing them with the necessary support and ensuring a thorough investigation to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
