TMC gives job on compassionate grounds to widow of fire officer killed in Gaondevi market blaze

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has given a job on compassionate grounds to the wife of fire station officer Sagar Shinde, who was killed in the fire at the Gaondevi vegetable market. About six months have passed since the incident. He was the family's only earning member, so the appointment comes as a support for them.

Mayor Sharmila Pimpolkar handed the appointment letter to Madhuri Sagar Shinde on Thursday. MP Naresh Mhaske was also present.

Sagar Shinde and fire brigade employee Kalu Gadekar died on May 21, 2026, while trying to put out the major fire at the Gaondevi vegetable market. Both families were left grieving and also worried about having lost the member who ran the household.

After the incident, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had directed the civic administration to give jobs to the families of both deceased under the compassionate appointment scheme. Mayor Sharmila Pimpolkar then followed up with the administration continuously so that the appointment process could be completed. Madhuri Shinde's appointment letter was handed over on Thursday.

Earlier, Kalu Gadekar's son, Tejas Kalu Gadekar, was appointed to the corporation's service within a month of the incident. With Madhuri Shinde's appointment, both families now have employment support from the corporation.

Several office-bearers and elected representatives were present when the letter was handed over. They included Shiv Sena group leader Pawan Kadam, corporators Dilip Bartakke and Sanjay Waghule, and Narayan Pawar. Additional Commissioner-2 Major Dr Nitin Rathod, Deputy Commissioner G. G. Godepure, personnel officer Dayanand Gundap and chief fire officer Girish Jhalke were also at the event.

The appointments are part of the help the corporation is extending to the families of the two fire personnel who lost their lives on duty.