Ajit Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati for election meetings when his aircraft crashed, killing all passengers onboard
New Delhi: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Anantrao Pawar died in a tragic plane crash on the morning of January 28, 2026, near Baramati airport in Pune district. The accident occurred while he was flying from Mumbai to Baramati to attend a series of public meetings ahead of upcoming local body elections.
The crash shocked Maharashtra and the entire country, triggering grief across political parties and among the public.
What Happened
According to official information, the small chartered aircraft took off from Mumbai around 8:00 am. About 45 minutes later, while attempting to land at Baramati airport, the aircraft ran into trouble. It reportedly lost control during the landing attempt, veered off the runway, and crashed into an open area near the airport.
Visuals from the crash site showed thick smoke, flames, and the mangled remains of the aircraft. Firefighters, police teams, and medical personnel rushed to the spot immediately. Ambulances were seen transporting victims to nearby hospitals, but authorities later confirmed that no one survived.
All Onboard Killed
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other official sources confirmed that everyone on board the aircraft lost their lives in the crash. The impact was severe, and the fire that followed left no chance of survival for any passenger.
Those killed in the accident include Ajit Pawar, both pilots, and members of his security and support staff who were travelling with him. Rescue teams reached the site quickly, but officials later confirmed that all passengers had already died.
Initial reports stated that five people were on board the aircraft. However, some early visuals and eyewitness accounts from the crash site suggested that the number of fatalities could be as high as six. Since all passengers on board died, authorities are continuing to verify the exact number of people and victims who were travelling at the time of the crash.
Officials said confirmation will come only after completing passenger records, recovery operations, and formal identification procedures.
Purpose of the Journey
Ajit Pawar was traveling to Baramati, his political stronghold, to attend four important public meetings scheduled for the day. These meetings were part of campaign activities linked to the upcoming Zilla Parishad and local body elections.
Political aides said Pawar had planned a packed schedule in the region and had chosen air travel to save time. The flight was a routine chartered trip commonly used by senior political leaders for official and political engagements.
Emergency Response at the Site
Soon after the crash, local police, fire brigades, disaster response teams, and medical staff reached the scene. Rescue teams worked amid fire and smoke to control the flames and search for survivors. However, due to the severity of the impact and the fire that followed, rescue teams could not save anyone on board.
Authorities sealed off the crash site to allow investigators to begin their work. Baramati airport operations were temporarily affected as officials focused on emergency response and safety checks.
Investigation Launched
The DGCA has launched a formal investigation into the crash. Aviation experts and officials are examining several possible factors, including:
- Technical or mechanical failure
- Weather conditions during landing
- Pilot communication and decision-making
- Aircraft maintenance records
At this stage, officials have not confirmed the exact cause of the crash. Investigators are collecting all available evidence, including flight data, communication logs, and eyewitness accounts. Authorities said a preliminary report will be released after initial findings are reviewed, followed by a detailed investigation report later.
Also Read: Bomb Threat Gurgaon: Emails Target Four Schools, Students Safely Evacuated
Political Shock and Condolences
News of Ajit Pawar’s death sent shockwaves through political circles. Leaders across party lines expressed deep sorrow and described his death as a major loss to the state.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his grief on X, saying: “Deeply shocked and pained to learn about the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar. Throughout his long public life, he remained committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra. He was known for his compassion for the people and his unwavering dedication to public service. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers, and admirers.”
Family Members Rush Back
Ajit Pawar was 66 years old. He was the nephew of veteran politician and NCP founder Sharad Pawar and the cousin of Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule. At the time of the accident, Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule were in Delhi attending the Parliament’s budget session.
After receiving news of the crash, both leaders began making arrangements to travel to Pune immediately.
Ajit Pawar’s Political Legacy
Ajit Pawar was one of Maharashtra’s most powerful and experienced leaders. Over the years, he served multiple terms as Deputy Chief Minister, held key ministries, and played a major role in shaping the state’s financial and development policies.
Known for his strong grip on administration and grassroots politics, Pawar enjoyed significant influence, especially in western Maharashtra and Baramati. His sudden death has created a major leadership vacuum in both the state government and the NCP.
Public Grief in Baramati
In Baramati, Pawar’s home region, residents expressed deep grief. Supporters gathered in small groups, remembering him as a leader closely connected to local issues and development. Many described the crash as a personal loss to the region.
The tragedy has also revived discussions about aviation safety for chartered flights, especially those used by public representatives. However, officials stressed that conclusions should wait until the investigation is complete.
What Happens Next
Authorities have assured that the investigation will continue with full transparency. The DGCA is expected to share regular updates as more details emerge. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government is coordinating with Pawar’s family to plan state funeral arrangements and official mourning events.
As the state mourns the loss of a senior leader, attention remains focused on the investigation that will determine what caused the deadly crash and whether safety protocols need further strengthening.
khushisikarwar is an award-winning journalist and content creator who thrives on telling stories that matter. As a key contributor to Newsisland, [she] focus on cultural commentary, providing readers with thought-provoking insights.
