Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Vijay Rupani Among 270 Victims, State Funeral Scheduled

On June 12, 2025, a tragic aviation disaster occurred when Air India flight AI-171, bound for London, crashed in Ahmedabad, resulting in the loss of 270 lives, including 241 passengers aboard the aircraft. Among the deceased is former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani, whose body was identified through DNA testing. In honor of Rupani's contributions to the state, the Gujarat government has announced a state funeral set for Monday in his hometown of Rajkot, coinciding with a day of state mourning.

The identification of victims has been a complex process due to the severe condition of many bodies, leading authorities to rely heavily on forensic methods. As of Sunday, 80 victims have been identified, and 24 families have received the remains of their loved ones.

Dr. Arvind Mehta, a forensic expert at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, stated, "DNA matching is crucial in such cases, especially when bodies are severely burnt or disfigured. This technology ensures that families can receive closure and proper farewells." The identification process is ongoing, as authorities anticipate the challenging task of matching the remaining unidentified victims.

The crash, described as one of the worst aviation disasters in India’s history, has prompted a nationwide investigation. A high-level committee led by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan is coordinating efforts to provide assistance to the victims' families. The Gujarat government has mobilized 230 teams to offer support and collect data from affected families.

Authorities have also recovered the black box from the crash site, which is expected to provide critical information regarding the circumstances leading to the disaster. Banchha Nidhi Pani, Commissioner of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, emphasized the importance of the black box in the investigation, stating, "Its recovery marks a significant step in understanding the factors that contributed to this tragedy."

In the aftermath of the crash, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's principal secretary, PK Mishra, visited the site and the civil hospital treating survivors. Reports indicate that, of the 51 individuals injured, 38 have been discharged, while 13 remain hospitalized.

The state funeral for Rupani is scheduled for 5 PM on Monday, with the last rites conducted at 6 PM. The Gujarat government has declared a day of mourning, allowing citizens to pay their respects to a leader who served as Chief Minister from 2016 to 2021. Health Minister Rushikesh Patel remarked, "Vijay Rupani's dedication to the welfare of the citizens of Gujarat will always be remembered."

This incident has raised serious questions regarding aviation safety in India, with experts like Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a professor of aviation safety at the Indian Institute of Technology, highlighting the need for stringent regulations and oversight in the aviation sector. "We must learn from this incident to prevent future tragedies. Enhanced safety protocols and regular maintenance checks are essential to ensure passenger safety," he stated.

As the investigation continues, the nation mourns the loss of lives and reflects on the implications of this disaster, urging a united effort towards improving aviation safety standards in India.