Veteran Indian politician Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of India’s western state of Maharashtra, has died in a plane crash that also claimed the lives of 4 other people.
Authorities said the cause of the crash has not yet been officially confirmed and investigations are ongoing to determine what led to the incident.
Pawar was a central figure in Maharashtra politics for decades and served multiple terms as deputy chief minister, making him one of the state’s most influential and recognisable political leaders.
Tributes have poured in from across India following news of his death. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock and grief, joining other political leaders who described Pawar as a seasoned public servant with deep experience in governance.
Further details about the crash and funeral arrangements are expected to be released as investigations continue.
