Ahmedabad: DNA testing has confirmed the identity of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani among the victims of the June 12 Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. The crash, which killed 241 passengers and 29 people on the ground, was among India's worst air disaster in three decades. 

"The DNA sample of former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani matched (with that of his family members) today morning at 11.10 am," Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi told reporters. Rupani was on his way to London to meet his family when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. He was 68 years old. Rupani was a senior BJP leader who served as the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021. The body will be taken to Rajkot for the final rites to be performed.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation into the crash, aided by central and state agencies. So far, 42 victims have been identified, and 14 bodies have been released to their families. The black box has been recovered, and a high-level panel has been set up to investigate the cause of the crash.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and local authorities have been working to support the investigation and recovery efforts. The city police commissioner and other officials have visited the accident site to oversee the probe.

The investigation is ongoing, with various agencies working together to determine the cause of the crash. A high-level panel, headed by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, has been mandated to submit its report within three months.

PTI