Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Four Others Killed: Tragic Plane Crash in Baramati

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Four Others Killed: A private Learjet 45 carrying Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport, claiming the lives of Pawar and four others. Rescue teams are on the scene, and investigations are underway.

 

Maharashtra in Mourning After Fatal Plane Crash Claims Deputy Chief Minister’s Life

Amit Kaul – For Digital Desk, Bengaluru: January 28, 2026 — In a devastating aviation accident that has sent shockwaves across India’s political and civil landscape, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Anantrao Pawar was killed this morning when the private jet he was travelling in crashed during a landing attempt at Baramati Airport in Pune district. The chartered Learjet 45 aircraft lost control while descending for a second approach and burst into flames upon impact, leaving no survivors among the five people on board.

The tragic incident occurred early on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, as the jet, operated by VSR Aviation and registered as VT-SSK, was flying from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, to Baramati, Pawar’s hometown. The Deputy Chief Minister was en route to attend a series of public meetings tied to the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections when the aircraft encountered an emergency during its approach to runway 11 at Baramati Airport.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft struggling during its landing attempt before it veered off course and crashed, exploding into flames. Emergency response teams, including fire and rescue units, were quickly dispatched to the scene, but all five occupants were declared dead at the site.

Among those killed alongside Pawar were his personal security officer, an attendant, and the two pilots, including the pilot-in-command and the first officer. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that the aircraft was attempting an emergency landing at the time of the crash.

Who Was Ajit Pawar? Political Stalwart and Influential Leader

Ajit Pawar, aged 66, was a veteran politician with deep roots in Maharashtra’s political sphere. A nephew of veteran leader Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar had served multiple terms as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister, making him one of the most significant figures in Maharashtra politics. Known affectionately as “Dada,” he played a key role in shaping policies and coalitions across party lines and was regarded as an influential leader in rural and cooperative sectors.

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Over the years, Pawar held key portfolios and was known for his strategic political alliances. His leadership in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and later in coalition arrangements — including with the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi — underscored his impact on the state’s governance and electoral dynamics.

Crash Details: What Happened During the Landing Attempt- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Four Others Killed

Initial reports indicate that the Learjet 45, known for its reliability in business and private aviation, was on approach to Baramati Airport when it aborted its first landing attempt and made a second approach. It was during this second approach that the aircraft reportedly lost control, veered off the runway, and imploded into a fireball on impact.

Visuals from the crash site show wreckage scattered across the airport grounds and thick plumes of smoke rising from the charred remains. Local villagers and first responders were among the first to arrive at the scene before formal rescue operations began.

Authorities are still gathering details about atmospheric and mechanical conditions at the time of the incident. While the DGCA has confirmed the crash and the fatal outcome, a comprehensive investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to determine whether factors such as technical failure, human error, or environmental conditions contributed to the tragedy.

State and National Reaction: Mourning and Condolences

The news of Ajit Pawar’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief across Maharashtra and the broader Indian political community. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced three days of state mourning and praised Pawar’s dedication to public service. Leaders from across the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conveyed their condolences and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a senior statesman whose experience and leadership played a profound role in state governance.

Political analysts say Pawar’s untimely death could trigger significant shifts in Maharashtra’s political balance, particularly ahead of key local elections. His presence in state leadership — at the crossroads of development policy and electoral strategy — made him a cornerstone of coalition leadership, and his absence will be felt both within his party and across alliances.

Investigation Underway — What Comes Next- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Four Others Killed

The DGCA has confirmed that investigators and technical experts will survey the crash site and examine flight records, maintenance history, and air traffic communications to reconstruct the events leading to the crash. The AAIB’s findings will provide critical insights into flight data and possible causes of the mishap.

In the coming days, authorities are expected to release more detailed updates around the accident’s cause, including weather data, cockpit communications, and any recorded anomalies with the aircraft. Families of the victims have been notified, and officials are coordinating post-mortem procedures and formal identification.

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Conclusion

The death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash has not only robbed Maharashtra of a prominent political leader but has also plunged the state into mourning. As investigations continue and the nation grapples with the implications of this tragedy, the full impact of the crash — both politically and socially — will unfold in the weeks ahead.

 

 

 

 

Author Bio:

Amit Kaul is a seasoned journalist and digital content strategist with over a decade of experience covering business, technology, finance, and digital economy trends. Based in Bengaluru, India, he specializes in producing high-quality, data-driven news articles optimized for global audiences and digital platforms. Amit is passionate about financial inclusion, fintech innovations, and economic developments that shape India and the world. His work has been featured on multiple news portals and Google News platforms, providing readers with timely and reliable insights.