Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar Visits Warkaris Injured in Road Accident

Rs 5 lakh Compensation for Families of Deceased; Free Treatment Announced for the Injured

Pune, July 2026 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Pune District Guardian Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar visited the Warkaris injured in the road accident on the Saswad–Jejuri route, describing the incident as deeply painful and heartbreaking. She paid heartfelt tributes to the three women devotees who lost their lives in the accident and expressed condolences to their bereaved families.

Soon after receiving information about the mishap, Deputy Chief Minister Pawar visited the injured Warkaris at the Jejuri Rural Hospital, where she enquired about their condition and assured them of all possible assistance.

The accident occurred on Monday morning near the Jejuri-Belsar stretch on the Saswad–Jejuri road during the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi procession, which is part of the annual Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage to Pandharpur. Three Warkaris tragically lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries.

During her visit to the hospital, Pawar reviewed the medical condition of the injured devotees with doctors and directed the concerned authorities to ensure they receive the best possible medical care without any delay.

She announced that the families of each of the deceased Warkaris would receive Rs 5 lakh as financial assistance from the state government. She also stated that all injured devotees would be provided free medical treatment at the government’s expense. Additional financial assistance would also be extended wherever required.

Present during the visit were Jejuri Municipal Council President Jaydeep Dilip Barbhai, Sub-Divisional Officer Varsha Landge, Tehsildar Vikram Rajput, Chief Trustee of the Shri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan, Yogi Niranjannath Guru Shantinath, Shri Bhavarth Dekhne, and officials from various government departments.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawar said that clear instructions had been issued to the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad, and other concerned authorities to ensure that there is no shortcoming in the treatment of the injured pilgrims.

She reiterated that the Maharashtra government stands firmly with the accident victims and their families during this difficult time and would provide all necessary support.

Pawar also noted that the state government had been regularly reviewing preparations for the Ashadhi Wari, with directions issued to complete all essential works along the pilgrimage route well before the commencement of the procession.

Emphasising that the safety of the thousands of Warkaris walking towards Pandharpur is a collective responsibility, she appealed to motorists to exercise utmost caution while driving on pilgrimage routes and to remain particularly vigilant to ensure the safety of the devotees.