Ahmedabad — June 15, 2025 — After three harrowing days of uncertainty and longing, the remains of former Chief Minister Vijay Ramniklal Rupani (68) we
Ahmedabad — June 15, 2025 — After three harrowing days of uncertainty and longing, the remains of former Chief Minister Vijay Ramniklal Rupani (68) were formally identified through DNA testing. On the morning of Sunday, June 15 at around 11:10 AM, forensic teams confirmed the match—bringing a tragic resolve to the grieving family
A Leader Loved and Lost
Born on August 2, 1956, in Rangoon (now Yangon), Burma, Rupani’s journey spanned continents and public service. His family moved to Rajkot in 1960 amidst political tumult, and he later earned his BA and LLB before plunging into student politics via the RSS and ABVP. By 2016, he had risen to become Gujarat’s Chief Minister—a position he held until September 2021 .
Known for his gentle demeanor and understated leadership, Rupani was described by fellow BJP leaders as a “soft and endearing” figure whose loss is not just political, but deeply personal
The Fateful Flight and Devastating Crash
On June 12, Air India Flight AI 171—a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner—departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, destined for London-Gatwick. Just 30 to 40 seconds after takeoff at around 1:38 PM, the aircraft began losing altitude and crashed into a hostel at BJ Medical College, erupting into a fireball .
The crash claimed 241 lives onboard—including the former CM—and an additional 29 on the ground, bringing the death toll to approximately 270 . Only one passenger, Viswashkumar Ramesh, a British national traveling in seat 11A, survived
DNA Forensics Bring Closure
Given the severity of the wreckage and the charred remains, conventional identification methods weren’t possible. Over 32 victims have been identified through DNA tests, and 14 bodies have been released to families .
The confirmation of Rupani’s remains happened at approximately 11:10 AM on June 15. Authorities arranged for his body to be transferred from Ahmedabad to Rajkot via a chartered aircraft. Gujarat’s Health Minister confirmed that once the family finalizes the rites, arrangements will be made to conduct the cremation in Rupani’s hometown
Mourned by Colleagues and Citizens
Voices from the corridors of power and the public poured in:
•Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President, shared deep condolences, stating “We are all with you” to Rupani’s family and the other bereaved .
•British Indian communities, particularly in London’s Harrow area, held vigils invoking Prayers across faiths—Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Jain, Zoroastrian, and Christian—as they recalled Rupani’s warmth and inclusivity .
•Punjab BJP leaders, including Sunil Jakhar, remembered him fondly, emphasizing his gentle persona and the painful void his death leaves .
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures
Agencies including the DGCA, AAIB, Air India, Boeing, and GE Aerospace have launched a comprehensive probe into the causes of the crash . Preliminary assessments point toward potential technical malfunctions involving engine systems, landing gear, or wing flaps .
In response:
•The DGCA has ordered enhanced safety inspections for all Air India Boeing 787‑8/9 aircraft, focusing on critical systems such as hydraulic, engine, and fuel lines .
•The black box was recovered approximately 28 hours after the crash, and analysis of its flight data and voice recorders is ongoing .
Human Cost: Ground Zero and Beyond
The disaster not only decimated those aboard but also inflicted terrible loss in the hostels of BJ Medical College, where many MBBS students were killed or injured . Emergency services—firefighters, NDRF teams, CISF, CRPF, Indian Army, and local police—responded swiftly under chaotic conditions to rescue survivors and recover remains .
A Legacy Remembered
Vijay Rupani leaves behind his wife, Anjali, and two surviving children (a daughter and a son). He had tragically lost another son in a car accident years ago; the family immortalized his memory by founding the Shri Pujit Rupani Memorial Trust, dedicated to helping impoverished communities .
Upholding his commitment to public service—reflected in initiatives spanning transport, labor, water supply, and governance—he became known for unassuming leadership and crisis management during health and civic emergencies.
What Comes Next
As DNA identifications continue, officials have set up 232 dedicated teams across hospitals and crash sites to coordinate family communications, grief counseling, and the issuance of death certificates through streamlined “one-window” systems .
Families of victims are being supported by trained grief counselors, local authorities, and BJP figures—among them Delhi’s former CM Atishi, who visited Ahmedabad to meet survivors and bereaved relatives .
A Nation in Mourning
This calamity has united India in grief and introspection:
•Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sharply emotional, visited the crash site and console victims at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital .
• International condolences poured in—from UK’s King Charles III to British PM and community groups—particularly mourning the tragic loss of British nationals and cancer care workers whose vision and lives were extinguished too soon.
COMMENTS