Air India AI-171 Crash Claims Lives Of Vijay Rupani And Badruddin Halani; MRM Declares National Mourning

AI-171 Crash: Gujarat is in deep mourning after the horrifying crash of Air India flight AI-171. The flight, bound for London from Ahmedabad, crashed shortly after takeoff on 12 June 2025.

Among the 242 passengers who lost their lives were former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) Gujarat State Convener Badruddin Halani.

The MRM described the crash not just as an accident, but a national calamity.

At 1:40 PM, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner burst into flames and collided with the Air Customs Cargo Office near the airport. The aircraft then crashed into a residential complex housing doctors from Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.

Fifteen doctors were injured, many critically. Of the passengers onboard, 169 were Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and one Canadian. Over 100 bodies have been recovered, many charred beyond recognition, requiring DNA identification.

MRM pays tribute to Badruddin Halani and Vijay Rupani

Badruddin Halani, MRM Gujarat Convener, was travelling with his wife, sister-in-law, and niece.

All perished in the crash. MRM stated that Halali’s demise was like losing the soul of the organisation. He stood for Indian culture, unity, and simplicity. His loss has left a deep void in the nationalist Muslim community.

Vijay Rupani, senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister, was also among the deceased. MRM praised his dedication to public service, good governance, and harmony. His political career was marked by humility and sincere service. His passing, MRM said, is an irreplaceable loss to Gujarat and the nation.

Probe demanded as questions mount over safety

While the cause of the Air India crash remains uncertain, early signs point to technical faults, particularly in the battery and flight control systems. The Boeing 787-8 has previously faced global scrutiny over such issues. Experts are calling for a full investigation.

MRM called the crash a wake-up call for India’s aviation sector. It questioned the proximity of sensitive airport infrastructure to residential areas and demanded urgent reforms to avoid future disasters. Families of victims and the public deserve answers on how such a failure could occur.

Online national tribute to honour the departed

The MRM has announced a national online condolence meeting.

Leaders and volunteers from across the country will gather to pay tribute to the victims. The organisation declared that the legacy of Rupani and Halani would guide future generations.

“Their lives were dedicated to India’s soil and soul,” read the MRM statement. “Their ideals will remain our strength.”

The Muslim Rashtriya Manch extended heartfelt condolences to all bereaved families and saluted the victims of the Air India crash with folded hands and heavy hearts.

Also Read: Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani On Board Ahmedabad-London Flight