Cyrus Mistry was a gentleman, says Harsh Goenka after his death

Businessman Harsh Goenka expressed sadness and shock over the death of former Tata Sons Chairman Cyrus Mistry. He tweeted that Mistry was a gentleman and a man of substance.

He further wrote that Mistry was instrumental in creating the global construction giant Shapoorji Pallonji and ably led the Tata Group.

Mistry died in a car accident at 3.15 pm in Maharashtra's Palghar on Sunday while returning from Ahmedabad. The 54-year-old's remains were brought back to Mumbai.

Sources said the Mercedez rammed into the divider and Mistry suffered a head injury. Locals who brought him into the hospital said he died on the spot. According to the Superintendent of Police, Palghar, Balasaheb Patil, the driver lost control of the car due to overspeeding and error of judgement.

Mistry was accompanied by renowned Mumbai gynaecologist Dr Anahita Pandole, her husband Darius Pandole, and his brother Jehangir Pandole. Dr Shubham Singh said Jahangir Dinsha Pandol died during transit to the hospital. Both were not wearing seat belts. The other two passengers are being treated for their injuries.

Many including PM Narendra Modi, Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, Union minister Smriti Irani, and noted journalist Vir Sanghvi offered their condolences on social media. Mistry is survived by his wife Rohiqa and two sons.

PM Modi said Mistry was a promising business leader who believed in India's economic powers. "His passing away is a big loss to the world of commerce and industry." Eknath Shinde called him a young and bright visionary. Irani wrote that she will remember him as "epitomised kindness".

Cyrus Mistry was the sixth chairman of Tata Sons. He took over the position in December 2012 when Ratan Tata announced his retirement. He was ousted from the position in October 2016.