The Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant on Monday night said that Union Minister Shripad Naik – who was injured in a road accident earlier– was being treated at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). He confirmed that the Minister of State for Defence was in a stable condition, PTI reports. 

Naik’s wife Vijaya and an aide died in the road accident which occurred on Monday when their car met with the accident near Ankola in Uttar Kannada district, while he was returning to home state Goa from Dharmasthala in Karnataka.

Pramod Sawant said the condition of the Union minister was critical earlier, but now he is stable”.

“A team of doctors led by Dean of GMCH Dr Shivanand Bandekar is treating him. We are giving him the best medical care,” the chief minister said.

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said another medical team is on a standby to ensure best treatment for Naik.

Rane tweeted: “Really shocked to hear about the news of Shri @shripadynaik Jis car accident.”

In yet another tweet, Rane said, “Deeply saddened to hear about the sad demise of Smt Vijaya Naik Ji, wife of Shri Shripad Naik Ji”.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed their condolences for the loss of Naik’s wife. According to PTI sources, the latter even spoke to Pramod Sawant, discussing treatment in New Delhi as an option.