Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Jun 15: Three days after the devastating crash of flight AI171, the body of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has been officially identified through DNA testing, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed on Saturday.
A dedicated team of forensic experts has been working tirelessly at the crash site to match DNA samples of the deceased with those provided by their family members. The confirmation of Rupani's identity marks a solemn development in the aftermath of the June 12 tragedy.
Speaking to the media, Sanghavi stated, “The body of Vijaybhai Rupani has been confirmed after thorough DNA analysis. His family has been informed and will take the final decision regarding the cremation arrangements.”
Health Minister Rishikesh Patel also addressed the media, assuring that the state government will coordinate and provide full support for the funeral once the family finalizes the details. “All necessary arrangements will be handled in Rajkot in consultation with the family,” he added.
Legislator Reenaben Patel confirmed that the body will be taken to Rajkot, where a large number of supporters and well-wishers of the former CM are expected to gather to pay their final respects.
Rupani was among the 241 passengers and crew who perished in the crash of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, en route to London. Only one survivor emerged from the wreckage, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history.
Rupani, who had been travelling to visit his wife and daughter in the UK, was remembered by leaders and citizens across Gujarat as a committed public servant. His untimely death has cast a deep pall over the state’s political landscape.
Officials explained that DNA identification in such incidents is a time-consuming and technically demanding process, involving multiple levels of verification, especially when remains are not easily distinguishable. In many cases, delays are caused by degraded samples or insufficient DNA material, requiring repeated analysis. The process typically takes up to 72 hours per case, depending on the condition of the remains.
The state has declared a day of mourning in Rupani’s memory, with flags to be flown at half-mast and government events postponed.