The identity of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has been officially confirmed through DNA analysis, three days after the devastating crash of Air India flight AI171.
The two-time former Rajya Sabha MP’s remains will be flown from Ahmedabad to Rajkot on a chartered aircraft later on Sunday and the final decision regarding his funeral is yet to be announced.
The 68-year-old veteran politician was among the 241 people killed when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff on 12 June. He was seated in business class, in seat 2D. Only one person on board survived.
Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Rita Patel confirmed the development. “Our former CM’s DNA test is done, and the positive result is now out. Now, his mortal remains will be taken to Rajkot to his family… Following this, a program will be organised to allow North Gujarat and Central Gujarat residents to pay their respects to him,” she told ANI.
The mortal remains will be handed over to the family from the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. From there, he will be transported to Rajkot via helicopter,” she added.
Seconds After Takeoff, Tragedy Unfolds
Flight AI171 had just lifted off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport when disaster struck. At 13:38 IST, CCTV footage shows the aircraft becoming airborne—only to crash just 32 seconds later into a hostel building on the BJ Medical College campus in Meghaninagar, barely a kilometre from the runway.
The crash triggered a massive fireball, engulfing part of the hostel and killing several people on the ground, including junior doctors and medical students who were inside at the time.
As of Sunday, officials have identified 32 victims, with 14 bodies returned to families for final rites. Efforts to complete the identification process continue amid a highly complex and emotionally charged investigation.
Rupani Changed Travel Plans Twice
Rupani had originally planned to fly to London on May 19, but later cancelled the trip. He rescheduled for June5, only to postpone again. It was the third booking — on June 12 — that placed him aboard the ill-fated flight. Reports suggest he was heading to London to reunite with his wife and daughter.
A joint investigation is currently underway involving the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and Boeing’s forensic specialists. All eyes are now on the aircraft’s black box data, which could shed light on what went catastrophically wrong just moments after takeoff.
As families grieve and investigators search for answers, Rupani’s final journey now returns to the city he once led — his legacy now shadowed by one of the darkest days in India’s aviation history.
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