Baramati, January 28, 2026 - In a tragic turn of events, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash near Baramati airport this morning. The chartered Learjet 45, carrying Pawar and four others, crashed while attempting to land, resulting in the death of all on board. The incident has sent shockwaves through the political landscape and revived concerns about the safety of VVIP flights in India.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that the aircraft, operated by VSR and registered as VT-SSK, lost control during its final descent and crashed into the ground, erupting into flames. Initial reports indicate that the crash occurred around 8:45 AM, shortly after the plane took off from Mumbai. Pawar was en route to Baramati to address four public meetings in preparation for the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections.
Alongside Ajit Pawar, the other victims have been identified as the two pilots, Vidip Jadhav and Shambhavi Pathak, and Pawar's two security personnel, Pinky Mali and Sumit Kapoor. Visuals from the crash site depict a scene of devastation, with wreckage scattered across the area and thick smoke billowing from the aircraft. Rescue operations were immediately launched, but unfortunately, no survivors were found.
The news of Ajit Pawar's death has been met with widespread grief and disbelief. Bharatiya Janata Party National President Nitin Nabin expressed his condolences, stating that the entire political world is saddened by Pawar's demise. Actress Kangana Ranaut, visibly shocked, struggled to express her emotions upon hearing the news. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann cancelled his scheduled visit to Goa following the tragedy.
Ajit Pawar's political career was deeply intertwined with Baramati, his family's stronghold. For decades, Baramati had been synonymous with the Pawar name. Since 1967, the seat remained a family stronghold — first under Sharad Pawar, and from 1991 onwards, under Ajit Pawar. The irony of his death occurring in the very constituency that shaped his political career has not gone unnoticed.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will be probing the incident. The crash has once again brought to the forefront the issue of VVIP flight safety in India. Questions are being raised about the maintenance and safety standards of chartered aircraft used by VIPs, as well as the protocols in place for emergency landings. While regulations exist regarding the licensing and experience requirements for pilots of VIP flights, as well as the operational conditions under which these flights can operate, this incident is likely to lead to a renewed scrutiny of these rules and their enforcement.
The accident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with air travel, particularly in challenging weather conditions or when dealing with older aircraft. It is expected that the investigation into the crash will thoroughly examine all potential contributing factors, including mechanical failure, human error, and weather conditions, to determine the exact cause of the tragedy and prevent similar incidents in the future.
