Thane: Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday visited the homes of three Dombivali residents who lost their lives in the recent terror attack at Pahalgam, Kashmir. Expressing deep condolences, Shinde assured the bereaved families that the government would extend all possible support, including assistance for children's education and employment opportunities.
Shinde met the families of Hemant Joshi, Sanjay Lele, and Atul Mone, who were among the 26 victims killed in the brutal assault. Sharing moments from his visit on social media, the deputy CM described the encounter as emotionally overwhelming. "Meeting the grieving families required immense courage. At one point, I too was deeply moved," Shinde wrote in a post on X. He added that the entire state of Maharashtra and the country stood firmly behind the affected families in this time of sorrow.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Shinde said the administration would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the families receive all necessary support. "The state government stands strongly with these families. We will provide assistance not just in compensation but also in securing the education and employment prospects of the deceased's children," he assured.
Shinde was accompanied by Kalyan MP Dr Shrikant Shinde, MLAs Rajesh More and Dr. Balaji Kinikar, Kalyan district Shiv Sena chief Gopal Landge, former corporator Mahesh Patil, and several other party office-bearers and workers.
Sena UBT's Vinayak Raut Demands For Increase In Ex-Gratia For Victims
Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena UBT leader Vinayak Raut also visited the families. During his interactions, Raut demanded that the deceased be accorded martyr status and called for an increase in the ex-gratia amount currently fixed at Rs 5 lakh, reported Times of India. He stated that their family members should also be provided with government jobs to help them cope with the loss of their primary breadwinners.
