Ahmedabad: Gujarat prepares to bid farewell to former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who died in the June 12 Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. A state funeral, complete with full state honours, is scheduled for later today in Rajkot.
The preparations for his funeral are underway, with the Indian national flag being brought to the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital mortuary to drape Rupani’s remains. A hearse van, adorned with approximately 2,000 kilograms of flowers, will transport his body.
The crash of the London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which claimed 241 lives shortly after takeoff, continues to cast a pall over the country. Rupani’s identity was confirmed through DNA matching, a process that has proven painstaking given the extensive damage to many of the victims’ remains. Hospital officials confirmed that his remains will be transported from Ahmedabad Civil Hospital at 11:30 am and flown to Rajkot, where they are expected to arrive by 2 pm. The cremation ceremony is scheduled for 5 pm.
The identification process, while making progress, remains slow and agonising for many families. Dr Rajneesh Patel, Additional Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, reported that Rupani was among the 80 victims whose identities have been confirmed through DNA testing, and that 33 bodies have been released to families thus far.
He further stated that relatives of two more victims are expected to arrive Monday night, with another 13 families scheduled to collect bodies on Tuesday. The process is further complicated by the fact that for 21 victims, families require further consultations before claiming remains, and for 11 victims, family members were also among those killed in the crash, meaning those bodies will be released only upon completion of remaining DNA matches.
The state government’s response has focused on providing comprehensive support to grieving families. A dedicated team, comprised of a senior officer, a police official, and a counsellor, has been assigned to each family, providing both emotional and logistical support throughout the identification and handover process. The team’s role is crucial, ensuring that each family receives the necessary assistance during this incredibly difficult time.
While the identification process continues, officials emphasise their commitment to treating each deceased with utmost dignity and respect. The sole survivor of the 242 people on board the flight, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries. The crash also tragically claimed the lives of at least 33 people on the ground, including local residents and MBBS students.
