Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and four others were killed on Wednesday when a private aircraft crashed near the Baramati airport in Pune district.
Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Pune district to address four rallies ahead of the February 5 zilla parishad elections. The other victims were Captain Sumit Kapoor, who had over 15,000 hours of flying experience, co-pilot Capt. Shambhavi Pathak with 1,500 flying hours, Pawar’s Personal Security Officer Vidip Jadhav, and flight attendant Pinky Mali.
According to a government statement, the Learjet aircraft attempted to land at Baramati amid poor visibility. After executing a go-around, the aircraft was later cleared for landing but failed to give a mandatory “read-back” to Air Traffic Control (ATC). Moments later, it burst into flames at the edge of the runway.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said the aircraft was attempting to land in adverse weather conditions. A read-back is a critical aviation safety protocol in which pilots repeat ATC instructions to confirm proper communication.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has taken over the probe into the crash. The aircraft belonged to VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, which operates a fleet of Learjet 45, Embraer 135BJ, King Air B200 and Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.
According to Flight Radar data, the aircraft took off from Mumbai at 8.10 am and disappeared from radar around 8.45 am.
Police said it crashed a minute later. There were five persons on board, including Pawar, his PSO, an attendant, and two crew members, a DGCA official said. Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill said the aircraft caught fire after the crash and the occupants were rushed to hospital, where they were declared dead. Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, and two sons, Parth and Jay.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several other leaders expressed grief over Pawar’s demise. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who visited Baramati, called Pawar’s death unbelievable and said he had lost a close friend.
Eyewitnesses said the aircraft appeared unstable before crashing and exploded on impact, erupting into flames.
The Maharashtra government announced a three-day state mourning till January 30, with the national flag flown at half-mast. Pawar’s last rites will be held with full state honours on Thursday at Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati at 11 am. Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah are expected to attend.
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar visited the crash site and the medical college, while Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule was inconsolable over her cousin’s death.
Nagaland CM, Dy. CM, Dy. Speaker condole Ajit Pawar’s death
Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief minister Y Patton and Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) deputy speaker S. Toiho Yeptho have mourned the tragic demise of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati airport in Maharashtra’s Pune district on Wednesday.
In a condolence message, Rio said this tragic and unforeseen incident has plunged Maharashtra and the entire nation into deep mourning, leaving an indelible void in India’s public life.
The chief minister described Ajit Pawar as a seasoned leader whose commitment to governance, development, and public welfare earned him respect across political and social spectrums.
Rio said Ajit Pawar’s decades of service to the state of Maharashtra and to the country would be remembered with deep respect and appreciation.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Nagaland, the chief minister extended condolences to the bereaved family, the Government and people of Maharashtra, and all those who mourn his untimely passing.
Dy. CM: State deputy chief minister and Nagaland BJP legislature party (BLP) leader, Y. Patton, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic passing of Ajit Pawar.
In a condolence note, Patton said Pawar was a senior public figure who devoted many years to public service and governance.
The deputy chief minister recalled Ajit Pawar as a leader who remained connected to the people and carried out his duties with a strong sense of responsibility. Patton said that his contribution to public life and administration would be remembered by colleagues and citizens alike.
Deputy CM extended condolences to the bereaved family members and supporters of Ajit Pawar.
NLA Dy. Speaker: Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) deputy speaker S. Toiho Yeptho expressd pain over the tragic demise of Ajit Pawar, saying his life was marked by an unwavering commitment to public welfare and a distinguished career in governance.
In a condolence message, Yeptho recalled that he had been closely associated with Ajit Pawar, adding that he would always cherish his warmth, guidance, and affection.
NLA deputy speaker said Ajit’s humane approach and steadfast leadership would be remembered with profound respect.
Yeptho extended condolences to the bereaved family members, colleagues and supporters and prayed that God grant them strength to get through this difficult time.
LJP (RV): Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) expressed grief over the demise of Ajit Pawar and said his passing was an irreparable loss not only to his family and supporters but also to the larger political fraternity and the people of the State.
In a condolence note, LJP (RV) national secretary S Richard Humtsoe described Ajit Pawar as a seasoned leader and a dedicated public servant who played a significant role in the political and developmental journey of Maharashtra.
On behalf of the party, Humtsoe extended condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, and admirers.