Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Dies in Baramati Plane Accident

Ajit Pawar Killed in Plane Crash While Landing in Baramati

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar died on Wednesday after the aircraft he was travelling in crashed while attempting to land in Baramati, sources and aviation officials said. Initial information suggests that all five people on board the flight were killed. An official confirmation on the final toll is awaited.

The crash occurred on Wednesday morning when a Learjet 45 aircraft (registration VT-SSK), operated by VSR, went down during landing. The six-to-eight seater jet had taken off from Mumbai at 8.10 am, and Air Traffic Control was informed about the incident at 9.12 am.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) later told News18 that there were five persons on board and no survivors.

According to an occurrence report accessed by sources, those on the aircraft included Ajit Pawar, two additional staff members, his personal security officer, an attendant, and two crew members—the pilot and first officer.

Visuals from the crash site showed smoke billowing from the wreckage as ambulances and rescue teams rushed in. Parts of the aircraft were found scattered in the surrounding area. Locals were seen in distress as emergency services carried out recovery operations.

Lokmat reported that Pawar’s body was taken to Baramati Medical College, where his mortal remains were kept.

Preliminary assessments indicate the aircraft may have developed technical problems. Sources said heavy fog and poor visibility in Baramati, along with the hilly terrain, could have contributed to the crash. Investigators are expected to rely on the aircraft’s black box to determine the exact cause.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to enquire about the incident. Fadnavis cancelled his scheduled public programme in Konkan following the news.

NCP leader Supriya Sule and other family members were reported to be rushing to Baramati. Ajit Pawar had been scheduled to address multiple rallies in the region ahead of district council elections. Authorities have cordoned off the crash site as aviation officials launched a detailed investigation into the fatal incident.