On the morning of Wednesday (Jan 28, 2026), a private chartered plane with Ajit Anantrao Pawar on board, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, crashed as it was trying to land near Baramati in Pune district, Maharashtra.
Tragic Crash: What Happened This Morning?
According to the sources, the plane, a Learjet 45 (registration VT, SSK) was on a trip from Mumbai to Baramati where Mr. Pawar was to hold a campaign for local body elections.
Witness footage and initial reports suggest that the plane was coming down very fast and lost its balance just before the runway, with smoke and debris spreading out in a field next to the runway.
Casualties Confirmed: No Survivors
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that no one on board survived the crash.
Reportedly on board were:
- Ajit Pawar
- Two members of his personal staff/security
- Two crew members (including the pilot)
- All five occupants died in the impact and ensuing fire.
This has been confirmed by a number of major news outlets and officials.
About Ajit Pawar: A Political Profile
Ajit Pawar had a long political career as one of the most experienced and influential leaders in Maharashtra. He was a multiple term legislator and held important portfolios, the most prominent being finance and planning.
He belonged to a political family and started his career in the cooperative sector, eventually climbing the ladder over a period of several decades.
Being only 66 years old, his untimely death will cause major political turmoil in the state. The incident will undoubtedly have an impact on the dynamics of governance and party equations.
Crash Site and Rescue Operations
Firefighting, police and medical personnel, as well as other emergency units, were dispatched to the scene immediately after the accident.
Images from the site of the accident depict thick smoke rising from the area of scattered debris near the airport runway approach in Baramati, suggesting that the plane crashed with great force while it was attempting to land.
At first, people living nearby and local officials came forward to help, but unfortunately, none of the victims survived, and officials have removed the deceased.
What the Officials Are Saying? – DGCA and Aviation Response on the incident
The DGCA has opened a probe into the crash, and the initial emphasis is on whether it was caused by technical issues or bad weather.
According to the official spokespersons, the plane was in its final approach for landing at Baramati airport when it lost its way and went down.
State Government take on the crash event
State leaders have held crisis meetings and are working with aviation authorities and emergency teams to respond to the situation.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis conveyed heartfelt condolences and instructed to extend help to the rescue and investigation operations.
Last Moments and Final Communications
According to social media posts, Ajit Pawar’s final online presence was only minutes before the accident when he paid homage to Indian revolutionary Lala Lajpat Rai thus highlighting the abrupt death event.
This very touching note, shared less than an hour before the departure, reveals how swiftly everything changed.
Politicians and the public response on the crash
People across the political spectrum have been shocked and saddened by the news.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Pawar a people’s leader and extended his condolences to the family and the people of Maharashtra.
- Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi revealed the death of the leader was absolutely painful and really shocking.
- Besides, the leaders of the different parties, including Mamata Banerjee, have requested a complete inquiry and expressed their condolences.
- Also, thousands of people have used social networks and public spaces in order to express their grief at the unexpected death.
Political Impact and Upcoming Developments
The loss of Mr. Pawar will unleash several political consequences in Maharashtra and the local body elections might be the first stage where the impact will be felt as he was campaigning actively.
Political leaders at the state and national levels are presently analyzing the succession and readjustments in government and party organizations. Specific statements should be expected within a few hours.
Investigation and Ongoing Queries
The DGCA will review black box information, aircraft maintenance records, weather, and runway operations to figure out the exact cause of the accident.
Aviation experts emphasize that final judgments might take several days or even weeks because data will have to be examined forensically and analyzed technically.
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Summary: What We Know So Far?
A private jet carrying Deputy CM of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar crashed near Baramati very early this morning.
Everyone inside, including Pawar, died instantly as there were no survivors. The plane was on its final approach when it suddenly went off the track and caught fire. Officials are looking into it, while political figures across the country have expressed sympathies and demanded investigations.
