Source bbc
BARAMATI, MAHARASHTRA — In a tragic event that has sent shockwaves across India’s political landscape, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar was killed on Wednesday morning when his chartered aircraft crashed during a landing attempt at Baramati Airport.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:45 AM on January 28, 2026. The aircraft, a Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK) operated by VSR Ventures, was traveling from Mumbai to Baramati, where Pawar was scheduled to address public meetings ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections.
The Details of the Crash
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the plane was making its second approach to the Baramati runway under conditions of reduced visibility. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft tilt sharply to the left before hitting the ground near the threshold of Runway 11.
The impact triggered a massive explosion, followed by several smaller blasts. While local villagers and airport staff rushed to the site, the intensity of the fire made rescue efforts impossible.
Total Casualties: 5
Ajit Pawar (66): Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Vidip Jadhav: Personal Security Officer (PSO).
Pinky Mali: Attendant.
Captain Sumit Kapur: Pilot-in-Command (a veteran with over 16,000 flying hours).
Shambhavi Pathak: First Officer.
A State in Grief
The news has triggered an outpouring of emotion across Maharashtra, particularly in his stronghold of Baramati. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has declared a three-day period of state mourning and a public holiday.
“Ajit Dada was a leader who never wavered. This is a personal loss; a friend has left me. It is a difficult day for Maharashtra,” Fadnavis stated during a press briefing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed their condolences and spoke with veteran leader Sharad Pawar, the uncle of the deceased. Political leaders across party lines have described the late leader as a “seasoned administrator” and a “formidable grassroots strategist.”
Investigation and Final Rites
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has dispatched a team from Delhi to determine the exact cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest poor visibility and a botched landing approach may have been contributing factors.
The mortal remains of Ajit Pawar will be kept at the Vidya Pratishthan ground for public viewing. His last rites will be performed with full State Honours on Thursday, January 29, at 11:00 AM in Baramati.
