Ex-Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was confirmed to have died in the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI171 at Ahmedabad on June 12, as his DNA was matched. A government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, had on Sunday confirmed that Rupani’s DNA sample had just been matched with remains found at the crash site. “His (Rupani’s) DNA sample was matched a few minutes ago,” the official added.
The doomed Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating from Ahmedabad to London, crashed minutes after takeoff, diving into a hostel of a medical college in Meghaninagar. The accident killed 241 people, 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. One passenger, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated in seat 11A, was the sole survivor with minor injuries.
Rupani, 68, was said to be flying to London to see his daughter. The force of the crash produced a huge fireball, and it killed several individuals on the ground, including medical students who lived in the hostel.
In the aftermath, forensic experts have been conducting 24/7 DNA testing at a specially designated center in Ahmedabad to help identify the deceased. Families of victims, including Rupani’s, submitted samples that are now being matched with remains retrieved from the wreckage. Due to the intensity of the explosion, the process has been slow and complex, requiring careful analysis for accurate identification.
Dr. Rajnish Patel, Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital, told on Sunday, “32 DNAs have been found till now and 14 bodies have been released to their respective family members.”
Rupani’s last rites will be held in his hometown, Rajkot, where preparations are already underway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and expressed his grief, stating, “Vijaybhai’s leadership transformed Gujarat; his loss is profound.” Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel added, “Rupani’s vision and crisis leadership were unparalleled. Gujarat grieves deeply.”
Air India and its parent conglomerate Tata Group responded to the disaster by announcing a compensation package of Rs. 1 crore to the families of the dead and Rs. 25 lakh as advance relief.
