By Desmond Nleya
Dubai: India’s western state of Maharashtra has been plunged into mourning after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed in a private plane crash on Wednesday morning, officials have confirmed.
According to All India Radio, the aircraft went down in Baramati, Pawar’s hometown. The plane was carrying five people, including Pawar, two crew members, and two others. Initial reports indicate there were no survivors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep shock over the tragedy, describing Pawar’s death as “very shocking and saddening.”
“He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra,” Modi said in a post on X. “My condolences to his family and countless admirers.”
The Prime Minister added that his thoughts are with the families of all those who lost their lives in the crash.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, while authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Further details are expected as rescue and recovery operations continue.
This is a developing story.
