In a heartbreaking development, it has now been reportedly confirmed that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the victims of the Air India flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad on Wednesday, June 12.
Parimal Nathwani, Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, had earlier posted a condolence message on social media confirming the demise of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in the tragic Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad. However, the tweet was subsequently deleted, sparking speculation and raising questions about the official status of Rupani’s presence on the flight and his condition. Authorities have yet to release an official confirmation, and the situation remains unclear.
Rupani, along with several members of his team, was onboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft that was operating the Ahmedabad to London (Gatwick) route. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, falling in the Meghani Nagar area, causing a massive blaze and widespread destruction.
Initial reports had speculated Rupani’s presence on the passenger manifest, which was later verified by both state authorities and Air India sources. The confirmation marks a deep political and personal loss for the state and the country. Rupani, a prominent BJP leader, served as Gujarat’s Chief Minister from 2016 to 2021.
As per official data, the aircraft was carrying 242 individuals, including 53 British nationals, 169 Indian nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese citizens. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the plane gave a MAYDAY call moments after takeoff but failed to respond thereafter.
The Indian government has initiated a high-level inquiry into the incident, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dispatched senior ministers to oversee the response efforts in Ahmedabad.
More updates are awaited as rescue and recovery operations continue.
