Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who led the state from 2016 to 2021, has been confirmed dead in the June 12 crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 bound for London from Ahmedabad . His name appeared on the official passenger manifest, ending weeks of uncertainty surrounding his fate .

The tragic incident occurred just minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, when the aircraft plunged and crashed into a populated area in Greater Ahmedabad, claiming numerous lives and igniting massive rescue operations. Rupani, 68, was reportedly seated in Business Class as he traveled to the UK for personal commitments .

Gujarat’s political leadership, including current CM Bhupendra Patel, has declared a three-day state mourning, and flags have been ordered to half-mast. PM Narendra Modi, expressing "deep shock and grief", pledged full support for rescue and repatriation . As investigators from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and DGCA begin their probe into the cause, the nation grieves a beloved leader lost in one of India’s most devastating aviation disasters.