Mumbai, May 31: Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Pandurang Phundkar died on Thursday following a massive heart attack here, a BJP official said.

Phundkar, 67, was admitted to the K.J. Somaiya Hospital on Wednesday where his condition reportedly deteriorated followed by the massive heart attack. He breathed his last at around 4.35 a.m. on Thursday.

Top Bharatiya Janata Party state and central leaders have expressed shock and grief over Phundkar's sudden demise.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other senior leaders will visit the hospital to pay their last respects.

Phundkar's body is likely to be taken to his native village in Khamgaon, Buldhana district of Vidarbha, for the last rites later on Thursday.

 

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Raichur (Karnataka) (PTI): Two children died on Saturday after a portion of an arch allegedly collapsed on them while they were watching an outdoor play in this district, police said.

The incident occurred in Bail Marchad village in Manvi taluk, they said.

According to police, seven people were sitting under the arch watching the play when the structure suddenly collapsed, killing two children on the spot.

The deceased have been identified as Vishwanath Ramalinga (8) and Sanvita (2).

Vishakshi (25), Lakshmi (18), Vishalakshi (25), Yallamma (3), and Bassamma (45) were injured in the incident and were shifted to Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital for further treatment, police said.

The bodies have been moved to the mortuary of Manvi Government Hospital, they added.

A case has been registered at Manvi Police Station, and further investigation is underway, police said.