Deputy chief minister of India’s western state of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, has died in a plane crash along with four other people
The cause of the crash has not been officially confirmed
Pawar’s political career spanned decades and he served as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra several times
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is among those who have expressed shock and grief at the news of the crash
Pawar’s home state Maharashtra has declared three days of official mourning following his tragic death in a plane crash earlier today.
During this period, flags across the state will fly at half‑mast and government offices and schools will remain shut. Officials say all public events have been cancelled as a mark of respect.
The mourning period reflects the state’s recognition of his long service and influence in the state’s politics.
Bodies of those who died in the plane crash have been brought to the hospital, police say.
“An expert team is present at the crash site,” Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill told reporters. “We will provide an update after the bodies are identified.”
