Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, will receive a state funeral in Rajkot today as the government observes a one-day mourning in his honour. Authorities identified him among the victims of the tragic Air India Dreamliner crash.
After conducting an intense three-day DNA verification process, officials confirmed his death and prepared for his final rites. This ceremony marks a moment of profound public grief and collective tribute across Gujarat.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi personally visited Rupani’s family to offer support and ensured that all arrangements honour the late leader’s legacy. Meanwhile, thousands have gathered in Rajkot to bid farewell to the BJP veteran.
DNA Confirms the Body of Vijay Rupani
After three days of intensive forensic analysis, officials finally confirmed that the Air India crash claimed the life of Vijay Rupani. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced the news on Sunday, stating that DNA testing had officially verified the former chief minister’s identity.
Meanwhile, forensic teams worked tirelessly to match the victims’ DNA with samples collected from their families. In several cases, including Vijay Rupani’s, experts had to repeat the tests due to insufficient DNA material. As a result, authorities followed strict verification procedures and contacted the relatives only after confirming the matches.
The crash took place on June 12, shortly after the flight departed from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. At that moment, Vijay Rupani was flying to London to reunite with his wife and daughter. Shockingly, out of the 242 people on board, only one survived.
Ultimately, the tragic incident sent shockwaves across India and marked one of the most devastating aviation disasters in the country’s history.
Vijay Rupani’s Funeral Arrangements
The Gujarat government confirmed Vijay Rupani’s death and immediately declared a one-day state mourning in his honour. Officials will conduct his last rites in Rajkot on Monday with full state honours. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi visited Rupani’s residence and personally informed his family of the identification.
Gujarat Health Minister Rishikesh Patel assured that the government would take charge of all funeral arrangements according to the family’s wishes. State MLA Reenaben Patel reported that hundreds of supporters and well-wishers have already gathered in Rajkot, prepared to bid farewell to the respected leader.
The government has planned a dignified farewell that recognises Rupani’s service to the state, with his wife and family members set to attend the final rites.