Former CM Rupani’s cremation today in Rajkot,Amit Shah to attend

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who tragically lost his life in the Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, will be cremated in Rajkot later today with full state honours. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to attend the funeral procession between 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm, according to officials.Preparations are underway in Rajkot for the last rites of the state’s 16th Chief Minister, who held office from August 2016 to September 2021. The hearse van carrying Rupani’s mortal remains will be decorated with approximately 2,000 kilograms of flowers. The Tricolour is being brought to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital’s mortuary, where it will be draped over the former CM’s body before it is flown to Rajkot.

Hospital authorities confirmed that Rupani was among the 241 people who died when the London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, striking a nearby doctor’s hostel complex.His identity was established through DNA testing, as part of an extensive process initiated by the state government.Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi confirmed that the DNA report matching Rupani’s identity was received at 11:10 am on Sunday, according to information.According to officials, Rupani’s body will be received from Ahmedabad Civil Hospital at 11:30 am and transported to Rajkot by air, with the flight expected to land at around 2 pm. The cremation ceremony has been scheduled for 5 pm.
Dr Rajneesh Patel, Additional Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, stated that Rupani was among 80 crash victims whose identities were confirmed via DNA testing. So far, 33 bodies have been handed over to their respective families. The hospital is continuing efforts to identify and release the remaining bodies with dignity.Dr Patel further noted that family members of 13 victims are expected to collect the remains on Tuesday, while relatives of two more arrived late Monday night. In 11 cases, the victims' next of kin were also on board the ill-fated flight, making the handover process more complex due to ongoing DNA confirmation.
Victims of the crash hailed from various parts of Gujarat and nearby states. Bodies have so far been returned to families in Ahmedabad (12), Baroda (5), Mehsana (4), Anand (4), Kheda (2), Bharuch (2), Udaipur (1), Jodhpur (1), Botad (1), and Aravalli (1).
To support the grieving families, the Gujarat government has deployed a comprehensive response system. Each bereaved family has been assigned a three-member team comprising a senior officer, a police official, and a professional counsellor to offer logistical help and emotional support during the identification and final rites process.
A total of 22 specialized teams have been formed to oversee various responsibilities — from DNA sample collection and body handovers to arranging medical vans and coordinating with cremation services.Among the 242 people involved in the crash, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh remains the sole survivor and is currently undergoing treatment. Additionally, 33 others, including local residents and MBBS students, lost their lives on the ground.

(State Correspondent)