KKN Gurugram Desk | In a national tragedy that has shocked the entire country, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani lost his life in the Air India Flight AI-171 crash that occurred on June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 out of the 242 people on board. The only survivor is currently undergoing treatment in critical condition.

The late leader’s mortal remains were handed over to his family after DNA identification was confirmed, and his state funeral was conducted today with full honours in Rajkot, his hometown.

 Air India Flight AI-171 Crash: What We Know So Far

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, registered as Aircraft A171, took off from Ahmedabad Airport at noon on June 12. Minutes after departure, the aircraft crashed into the campus of a medical college in Meghaninagar, a densely populated area in Ahmedabad. The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 passengers, including crew members.

Among the deceased was Vijay Rupani, who served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021 and was a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Rescue operations continued for hours, and DNA verification was required due to the severity of the crash and damage to the bodies.

 DNA Test Confirms Rupani’s Identity

On Sunday, Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi confirmed that Vijay Rupani’s identity was officially verified through DNA testing by 11:10 AM. The state government promptly informed the family and began preparations for the funeral.

Following confirmation, his body was transported from Ahmedabad Civil Hospital to Rajkot, where his final rites were scheduled.

Thousands Gather in Rajkot for Final Farewell

Vijay Rupani’s mortal remains reached Rajkot around 2:00 PM, where a sea of supporters, political leaders, and citizens gathered to pay their respects. His final journey began with a guard of honour provided by the Gujarat Police and tributes by key dignitaries including:

• Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah

• State Cabinet Ministers

• Senior BJP leaders including CR Patil

The body was later taken through a procession across key areas in Rajkot before reaching Ram Nath Para crematorium, where the funeral was held at 5:00 PM with full state honours.

Traffic and Security Arrangements in Rajkot

Given the high-profile nature of the event and large public participation, Rajkot police put in place a comprehensive traffic control plan and VIP movement protocol. DCP Parthraj Singh Gohil shared that major city roads were blocked temporarily, and four designated parking zones were set up:

1. Parking Zone 1 – Tirupatinagar Street 1 (VIPs only)

2. Parking Zone 2 – Nirmala School premises

3. Parking Zone 3 – Open plot behind the water tank in Sojitra Nagar

4. Parking Zone 4 – Behind Veerbai Women’s College, opposite Fire Brigade

Final Journey Route of Vijay Rupani

The funeral procession route in Rajkot included the following major locations:

• Prakash Society → Kotecha Chowk

• Kalavad Road Underpass → Astron Chowk

• Yagnik Road → DH College

• Malaviya Chowk → Corporation Chowk

• Sangnwa Chowk → Palace Road → Ram Nath Para Crematorium

The route was lined with citizens holding flowers, placards, and flags as they bid farewell to their beloved leader.

Family and Political Tributes

Rupani’s wife, Anjali Rupani, offered a heartfelt final goodbye. His son Rishabh Rupani addressed the press, stating,

“This is not just a loss for our family but a moment of grief for the families of all 270 victims. We thank the emergency services, doctors, and all those who supported us in this tragedy. My father dedicated over five decades of his life to public service. The overwhelming support we’re receiving is a testament to his legacy.”

Political leaders across the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have expressed condolences. Leaders from Punjab, Maharashtra, and southern states sent their representatives or joined the final rites.

 State Mourning and Government Orders

The Gujarat Government declared a day of state mourning on June 16. All government offices remained open but operated in a subdued manner as flags were flown at half-mast.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, in his tribute, said:

“Shri Vijay Rupani was not just a politician but a servant of the people. His calm demeanour, policy-making insights, and people-first approach earned him admiration across party lines.”

 Crash Investigation and National Grief

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with Air India officials and Boeing representatives, has launched a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary theories suggest possible technical failure, but black box data is still being analyzed.

The central government has announced compensation for victims’ families and will soon initiate a national safety audit of all long-haul aircraft in operation.

The crash is considered one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s recent history, reviving memories of past tragedies like the Mangalore 2010 crash.

 Visuals and Public Tributes

Images from Rajkot show a city united in grief—giant portraits of Rupani adorned with garlands, prayer chants echoing in public squares, and citizens lighting candles in memory of the leader and other victims of the AI-171 crash.

The tragic death of Vijay Rupani marks a monumental loss not only for Gujarat but for the entire nation. A man remembered for his calm leadership and clean image, Rupani’s contribution to public life and state development will be etched in history.

As Gujarat bids farewell with full state honours, the tragedy also calls for urgent national attention to air safety. The pain of this loss will linger, but so will the legacy of a leader who dedicated his life to public service.

KKNLive will continue to update readers on the investigation into the AI-171 crash, compensation for victims, and tributes pouring in from across the globe.