Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday expressed profound grief over the death of his fellow Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash while an aircraft was landing near Baramati. Shinde said the tragic aircraft accident that claimed Pawar’s life would be thoroughly probed.

Aircraft accident will be probed, says Shinde

Speaking to reporters before leaving for Baramati, Shinde described the incident as deeply painful and unfortunate for the state. "It is a very painful incident… very sad and unfortunate for Maharashtra. The aircraft accident will be probed," he said, adding that Pawar’s death was both a personal loss and a major blow to the state’s political and administrative leadership.