Patna: Union Home minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Saturday expressed profound grief over death of 18 people in a stampede in Mumbai in a rush to pay last respects to the spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin.
"I feel very sorry about the tragic incident and express my condolence over death of 18 persons," Shinde told reporters. He said he knew Burhanuddin (102) personally as he lived near his home when he was minister in Maharashtra in early 90s and met him a number of times.
Shinde said Burhanuddin was a very respected religious teacher and always preached about peace and brotherhood. The Union Home Minister was in Patna in connection with launch of Hindi newspaper "Dainik Bhaskar" here.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD President Lalu Prasad were also present at the function with the Home minister.