Mumbai / Baramati, India — Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has died after the private aircraft he was travelling in crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport on the morning of January 28, 2026, officials have confirmed. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Indian political circles and across Maharashtra, where Pawar was a towering political figure.
The Learjet 45 chartered flight, en route from Mumbai to Baramati for local election engagements, came down near the runway around 8:45 AM IST, bursting into flames on impact. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and state officials said all on board — five people including Pawar — were killed.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but eyewitness accounts describe intense explosions and fire that made rescue efforts impossible. Visuals circulating from the crash site show thick black smoke and scattered wreckage, underscoring the severity of the accident.
Flight Details and Immediate Official Confirmations
According to the DGCA occurrence report, the aircraft involved was a Bombardier Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK) operated by VSR Ventures. Pawar and four others — including two crew members (the pilot-in-command and first officer), his personal security officer, and an attendant — were on board.
Investigators said the crash happened during the second landing attempt at Baramati after the aircraft veered off near the threshold of the runway and impacted the ground with significant force. There were no survivors.
What Happened at Baramati Airport
Officials and eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the aircraft appeared to lose control while coming into land. Several nearby residents reported hearing multiple explosions before and after impact, followed by intense fireball and smoke that engulfed the wreckage.
Emergency responders, including local fire departments and police, were on site within minutes, but the scale of the fire and debris made any rescue impossible. The DGCA team has since cordoned off the area to begin technical investigation.
Preliminary airport authority comments suggest the jet may have veered off the runway path during the landing sequence, but the exact sequence of mechanical or human factors remains under review.
Ajit Pawar: Political Career and Community Impact
Ajit Pawar was one of Maharashtra’s most experienced and influential politicians, serving multiple terms as Deputy Chief Minister and holding key portfolios like finance. He was 66 years old.
He had been particularly active in Baramati and the wider Pune district, mobilising support for local elections and infrastructure initiatives. Many residents remember him for his role in rural development, irrigation projects and state budgeting processes.
Pawar’s death marks a sudden leadership void in the Mahayuti (BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance) government in Maharashtra, where he had played a balancing political and administrative role. Opposition leaders have also paid tribute, reflecting his broad footprint across the state’s political landscape.
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National and Political Reactions
Political figures from across the spectrum have responded to the news:
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow, highlighting Pawar’s contributions to public service and governance.
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State leaders including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a period of official mourning in Maharashtra.
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Leaders from Pawar’s original party and rival fronts also conveyed condolences, reflecting the shock and scale of the loss.
The incident has paused many ongoing political events today, especially in Pawar’s home region, with party offices and supporters gathering to commemorate his legacy.
Aviation Safety and Probe Efforts
The DGCA has launched a formal investigation, which will include analysis of black box data, cockpit communications, weather conditions at the time of landing, and aircraft maintenance records.
Officials have not ruled out any cause, including possible technical failure or visibility issues during approach, though findings are expected only after detailed analysis.
This crash will likely prompt fresh scrutiny of private and charter aviation standards for VIP travel in India, particularly the safety oversight of light business jets on short regional flights.
On the Ground in Baramati and Pune
The crash site near Baramati has become an informal gathering point for residents paying respect and watching the investigation unfold. Local officials are coordinating recovery efforts and support for families.
Nearby hospitals have received the remains of the victims, and post-mortem formalities are underway as families arrive from different parts of the state.
Reader-Focused Questions Answered
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Conclusion
Investigators will take time to piece together the exact cause — whether mechanical, procedural, or environmental. Over the coming days, the DGCA’s preliminary report and findings from flight recorders will be key to understanding how this flight ended in such tragedy. Political succession and by-elections in Baramati may also come into focus rapidly as Maharashtra’s administration copes with this loss.
