Maharashtra Mourns as Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Among Five Killed in Tragic Plane Crash

Baramati, Maharashtra – January 28, 2026 – Maharashtra's political landscape was plunged into profound grief today following a devastating plane crash that claimed the life of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four other individuals. The chartered Learjet 45, en route from Mumbai, crashed this morning while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district, abruptly ending the life of a prominent and influential leader and casting a pall over the state's upcoming local elections. The incident, which occurred under unclear circumstances, has triggered a high-level investigation by aviation authorities, as political figures across the nation expressed shock and sorrow.

The Fateful Journey and Catastrophic End

The private aircraft, a 16-year-old Learjet 45 registered as VT-SSK and operated by Delhi-based VSR Aviation, departed from Mumbai at approximately 8:10 a.m. with five people on board. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, 66, was traveling to Baramati to address a series of public meetings in preparation for the zilla parishad elections scheduled for February 5. Flight tracking data indicated the aircraft disappeared from radar around 8:45 a.m., just minutes before it was slated to land. The crash occurred at approximately 8:50 a.m. near the threshold of Runway 11 at Baramati Airfield.

Eyewitness accounts and initial reports suggest the jet encountered difficulties during its approach, making an unsuccessful landing attempt before a second, ultimately fatal, maneuver. The aircraft lost control, struck the runway, and immediately erupted into flames. Visuals from the crash site depicted a scene of devastation, with thick smoke billowing from the mangled wreckage scattered across the area. Emergency response teams swiftly arrived, but all five occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. The intensity of the crash left the bodies largely unidentifiable, with Ajit Pawar reportedly identified later by his watch.

A Political Career Cut Short

Ajit Pawar was a formidable figure in Maharashtra politics, known for his administrative acumen and deep understanding of state affairs. Throughout his career, he held various ministerial portfolios and served multiple times as Deputy Chief Minister, playing a pivotal role in the state's planning and development processes. His sudden demise marks a significant void in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the state's coalition government. Pawar was considered an influential leader whose political decisions often steered the course of regional governance. The upcoming local body elections, for which he was actively campaigning, now face an unexpected and somber backdrop. His extensive experience and sharp political strategies were crucial assets, and his absence is expected to leave a considerable impact on the political dynamics in Maharashtra.

The Lives Lost: More Than Just Numbers

Beyond Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the tragic crash claimed the lives of four other individuals, each with their own contributions and families. The victims have been identified as Vidip Jadhav and Pinky Mali, who were serving as personal security personnel, and the two experienced pilots, Sumit Kapoor and Shambhavi Pathak. Sumit Kapoor, the pilot in command, possessed an impressive record of over 16,500 hours of flying experience, indicating a seasoned professional at the controls. Shambhavi Pathak, the co-pilot, had undergone training at the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy, highlighting her dedication to her aviation career. The loss of these individuals underscores the profound human cost of the tragedy, extending the sorrow beyond the political arena to the personal lives of their families and colleagues. Anil Dhikle, Pawar's personal assistant, confirmed the accident and noted the aircraft skidded off the runway and caught fire.

The Search for Answers and Regulatory Scrutiny

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, India's civil aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), confirmed the fatalities and initiated preliminary investigations. A specialized team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been dispatched from Delhi to Baramati to thoroughly inspect the crash site and gather crucial evidence. The investigation will focus on various factors, including mechanical failure, human error, and environmental conditions. While one report suggested low visibility of around 800 meters and the lack of night-landing facilities at Baramati airport might have been contributing factors, another indicated good weather conditions with visibility of approximately 3,500 meters. Investigators will analyze flight recorders, known as black boxes, and other data to determine the precise sequence of events leading to the catastrophic impact. The Learjet 45, a mid-size business jet, is commonly utilized for corporate and VIP travel and is known for its advanced avionics.

A State in Mourning

The news of the crash sent shockwaves across India, particularly in Maharashtra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a three-day state mourning period in honor of the deceased Deputy Chief Minister. Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum, reflecting the stature and widespread recognition of Ajit Pawar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar, former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu were among the many leaders who expressed their deep sorrow and extended sympathies to the families of all victims.

The tragic incident leaves a significant void in Maharashtra's political leadership and casts a somber shadow over the state's governance and upcoming electoral processes. As investigations commence, the nation awaits answers regarding the cause of this devastating accident, while Maharashtra grapples with the sudden loss of a key political architect and four other lives. The period of mourning reflects not just the loss of a prominent leader, but also the collective grief for the individuals whose lives were tragically cut short.