Mumbai, January 28, 2026 – A pall of grief has descended upon Maharashtra and the Bollywood community following the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati, Pune district. The 66-year-old leader, along with four others, including two crew members, perished when the Learjet 45 they were traveling in crashed while attempting to land at approximately 8:45 am local time.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed the fatalities and initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash. The aircraft, belonging to Delhi-based charter company VSR, had departed from Mumbai at around 8:10 am and lost contact with air traffic control shortly before the accident. According to Baramati airport manager Shivaji Taware, the aircraft went off the side of the runway and exploded upon crashing.
Ajit Pawar was en route to Baramati to address a Zilla Parishad election rally, a testament to his active role in state politics. He had been in Mumbai the previous day for a crucial Maharashtra Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
News of the crash has sent shockwaves through Bollywood, with many prominent figures expressing their condolences and remembering Pawar's contributions. Known for his accessibility and support of the film industry, Pawar was a familiar face at movie premieres and cultural events. Several celebrities have taken to social media to mourn his loss, acknowledging his efforts in promoting the state's cultural landscape.
The Baramati airstrip, where the accident occurred, is a regional airport primarily utilized for pilot training and private aircraft operations. According to reports, the airstrip lacks navigational aids such as an Instrument Landing System (ILS), requiring pilots to rely heavily on visual and radio communication for landing. One pilot noted that Pawar's aircraft crashed at the runway threshold, close to the boundary wall, which they described as "abnormal".
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will be initiating a detailed probe into the crash. Pune rural police will be coordinating with the AAIB. The aircraft involved in the accident, registered as VT-SSK, had undergone its last DGCA regulatory audit in February 2025. Notably, this particular aircraft had been involved in a previous accident, marking this as the second incident involving a VSR Ventures-owned jet in Maharashtra within the past two and a half years.
Pawar's political career spanned decades, beginning in 1982. He was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1991, later vacating the seat for his uncle, Sharad Pawar. He served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra six times, making him the longest-serving individual in that role.
The funeral is scheduled to take place in Baramati on Thursday at 11 am. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to attend the last rites. The state government has announced a period of mourning as a mark of respect for the departed leader.
