Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who tragically lost his life in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, will be cremated later today in Rajkot with full state honours, government officials confirmed.
Rupani was among the 241 passengers and crew members who perished when the London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, colliding with a doctor’s hostel complex near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. His identity was officially confirmed through DNA testing, according to hospital authorities.
The Tricolour was brought to the Civil Hospital mortuary in Ahmedabad and ceremoniously draped over his mortal remains. In a mark of respect, approximately 2,000 kilograms of flowers have been arranged to decorate the hearse van that will carry his body to Rajkot.
As per the official schedule, Rupani’s remains will be received at 11:30 am from Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and transported by air to Rajkot, expected to arrive by 2:00 pm. His final rites are scheduled for 5:00 pm, with several political leaders, dignitaries, and state officials expected to attend.
Dr Rajneesh Patel, Additional Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, stated that Rupani was one of 80 crash victims identified through DNA analysis, adding that so far 33 bodies have been handed over to families.
The state government has deployed special teams—comprising a senior officer, police personnel, and a professional counsellor—for every affected family to assist with identification, logistics, and emotional support.
The tragic crash claimed 242 lives, including those on board and 33 ground casualties, primarily local residents and medical students. Among the 242, the sole survivor, identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British citizen of Indian origin, remains hospitalized with multiple injuries.
So far, bodies have been returned to grieving families across various regions including Ahmedabad (12), Baroda (5), Mehsana (4), Anand (4), Kheda (2), Bharuch (2), Udaipur (1), Jodhpur (1), Botad (1), and Aravalli (1).
Authorities confirmed that 13 more families will collect remains on Tuesday, while 21 victims are pending handover due to DNA confirmation processes. In 11 cases, next of kin were also among the deceased, requiring further coordination.
The Gujarat government emphasized that each victim’s remains will be returned with the utmost dignity and respect, and comprehensive state support continues for all bereaved families.