Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi announced on Sunday that former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani’s body had been identified after his DNA was matched earlier in the day at around 11:10 am.
Rupani was among 242 people on board Air India Flight AI 171, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on 12 June. Only one person survived the devastating crash, while Rupani was among the 241 victims who lost their lives.
According to Air India, the flight carried 230 passengers, 10 crew members, and two pilots.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi told reporters: "Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani lost his life in the Air India crash in Ahmedabad on 12th June. Today, at around 11:10 AM, his DNA was confirmed as a match. He served the people of the state for many years..."
Dr Rajneesh Patel, Additional Superintendent at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, stated that families are now receiving the remains of victims whose DNA has been successfully matched. Each grieving family is being assisted by a dedicated support team, including a senior official, a police officer, and a trained counsellor.
Dr Patel confirmed that DNA analysis has so far identified 32 victims. While 12 families have already collected their loved ones' remains, authorities are awaiting the arrival of other relatives to claim the remaining bodies.
Meanwhile, the death toll from the AI 171 crash has risen to 250 after hospital officials confirmed that four additional BJ Medical College students and their family members were among the victims.
