THANE: A pall of gloom descended on Vitawa, Kalwa, on Wednesday after news emerged of the death of Vidip Jadhav, a personal security officer (PSO) of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, in an air crash that also claimed the life of the politician.Jadhav, a 2009-batch police constable, had served as the deputy chief minister’s security officer for several years. Broad-built and imposing in appearance, he was remembered by neighbours as the “shadow of the Dy CM”, reflecting his close and long-standing professional association with the leader.A long-time resident of Krushna Vihar in Vitawa, Jadhav lived with his family and was widely known in the neighbourhood for his calm demeanour and warm nature. His father was a teacher, and locals recalled that discipline and values were central to his upbringing. He is survived by his aged parents, a nine-year-old son and a 14-year-old daughter. Following the tragedy, his parents have travelled to their native place, and the family residence remains locked.Neighbours recalled Jadhav as soft-spoken and affectionate, a stark contrast to his robust physique and the tough image often associated with police personnel.Shruti Wadekar, a neighbour who had known him for over 22 years, said she fondly addressed him as “Dada”. “He left for work around 6.30 am, just like every other day. Barely two hours later, we heard the devastating news. I still find it hard to believe,” she said.