Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Killed in Baramati Plane Crash; Five Others Also Die
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and five others were killed when their chartered plane crash-landed at Baramati Airport in Pune district on January 28, 2026. Authorities, including the DGCA, have launched an investigation, while political leaders express shock and condolences.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Killed in Baramati Plane Crash
MUMBAI — Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, one of the state’s most senior political figures, was killed on January 28, 2026, when the aircraft he was travelling in crash-landed near Baramati Airport in Pune district. Five others on board also lost their lives in the tragic accident, officials confirmed.
The chartered aircraft — a Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK) operated by VSR Aviation — was approaching Baramati in the early morning when it veered off the runway during landing attempts and crashed. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene amid reports of smoke and fire, but no survivors were found among the passengers and crew.
According to an initial occurrence report from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the plane was carrying five people, including Ajit Pawar, a personal security officer, an attendant, and two flight crew members. All on board were confirmed dead.
The accident occurred around 8:45–9:15 a.m. local time, as the deputy chief minister was flying from Mumbai to Baramati to participate in several public meetings ahead of the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections.
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene, with the aircraft’s wreckage engulfed in flames and thick black smoke visible across the crash site. Authorities have cordoned off the area as investigators and emergency personnel continue their work.
Investigation Underway
The DGCA has launched a formal investigation into the cause of the crash, with officials examining whether technical issues, pilot error, or adverse weather conditions might have contributed to the accident. Preliminary statements from airport authorities noted that the aircraft appeared to lose balance during the landing approach.
Baramati Airport’s runway and surrounding terrain are also being scrutinised as part of the inquiry, with investigators analysing flight data recorders and interviewing personnel involved in airport operations.
Political Shock and National Reaction
Pawar’s death has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra and across India. Leaders from various political parties expressed their condolences, with senior figures highlighting his decades-long contribution to state politics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are reported to have spoken with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis following the accident, expressing sympathy for the loss.
National and regional leaders, including opposition figures, joined in mourning, describing Pawar as a prominent statesman whose sudden death marked a significant political loss.
Legacy of a Veteran Leader
Ajit Pawar, aged 66, was widely recognised as one of Maharashtra’s most experienced politicians. A long-serving legislator from the Baramati region, he was known for his work in agriculture, finance and infrastructure and had held significant portfolios in state government over several terms.
The crash not only deprives the state of a senior deputy leader but also leaves a deep impact on the political landscape as Maharashtra prepares for upcoming elections.
