Air India Crash: Ex-Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani’s Funeral on Monday After DNA Match

GG News Bureau
Ahmedabad, 15th June: Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was tragically killed in the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, will be accorded a state funeral with full state honors on Monday. A one-day state mourning will also be observed in his memory.

Three days after the devastating plane crash, the body of the former chief minister was identified following a rigorous DNA testing process. A large team of forensic experts has been working tirelessly to identify the victims of one of India’s worst aviation disasters by matching DNA samples collected from their relatives. This process is complex, involving multiple layers of verification and testing, and can take up to 72 hours.

The confirmation of Vijay Rupani’s identification was announced by Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Sunday morning.

The last rites of Vijay Rupani will be performed in his hometown, Rajkot. Gujarat Health Minister Rishikesh Patel stated earlier on Sunday that the state government would facilitate all necessary arrangements once the family finalized the funeral proceedings. “Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi visited late Vijaybhai Rupani ji’s residence today and told the family members that his DNA has been confirmed. His family will take call on last rites and final stage preparations for cremation. After consultation with them, all arrangements will be done,” Rishikesh Patel said.

State MLA Reenaben Patel noted that many well-wishers and supporters of the former chief minister in Rajkot have been waiting to pay their tributes and bid a final farewell.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI171 from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, crashed immediately after take-off, killing 241 of the 242 people on board. Vijay Rupani was on his way to London to meet his wife and daughter.