Ex-Union home secretary Madhav Godbole dead

Pune: Former Union home secretary Madhav Godbole died due to cardiac failure at his residence in Maharashtra's Pune city on Monday morning, family sources said.

He was 85.

Godbole, who was the Union home secretary when Babri Masjid was demolished on December 6, 1992, later written in his book that the mosque could have been saved if there was a political will.

He took voluntary retirement from the Indian Administrative Service in March 1993.

He had also worked as the secretary of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Urban Development Departments at the Centre and principal finance secretary of the Maharashtra government.

NCP Chief Sharad Pawar condoled the death of Godbole, saying he was an upright officer who spoke his mind.

"He made invaluable contributions to the country as a chartered officer. Impressed with his efficiency in various positions at the state and centre," Pawar tweeted. (PTI)