Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar died in a tragic plane crash near Baramati Airport on January 28, sending shockwaves across the state and the nation. The chartered aircraft had taken off from Mumbai earlier in the morning and crashed during a landing attempt.
All five people on board, including Pawar, two pilots, and security personnel, lost their lives. Dramatic visuals from the crash site showed thick smoke, flames, and scattered wreckage near the airstrip.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene, but officials confirmed there were no survivors. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.
Ajit Pawar Last Photo Before Flight Crash
The final photograph of Ajit Pawar taken moments before boarding the aircraft has gone viral on social media. The image shows the senior leader calm and composed, heading for what was expected to be a routine political engagement.
Supporters and party workers described the photograph as haunting. Many said it added a deeply personal dimension to the tragedy. Political leaders across party lines shared the image while paying tributes, calling it a stark reminder of how suddenly life can change.
Ajit Pawar Funeral
The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be held on January 29, 2026, with full state honours. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am at the Vidya Pratishthan Grounds in Baramati, a venue significant to his political base and long public service.
His mortal remains are being kept at the same ground to allow supporters and well-wishers to pay their final respects ahead of the funeral on Thursday morning. Senior political leaders, including national figures and state officials, are expected to attend the ceremony.
Three days of state mourning have also been declared, during which flags will fly at half-mast, and public entertainment events are cancelled.
Ajit Pawar Death: Aviation Ministry Report
The Union Aviation Ministry has released preliminary details on the Baramati crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. Officials said the Bombardier Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) was cleared for landing on Runway 11 at Baramati Airport after the crew reported the runway was “in sight”. During the first landing attempt, the pilot had reported that the runway was not visible due to conditions on the ground, prompting a go-around.
On the second approach, the aircraft was granted landing clearance, but there was no readback of the clearance from the crew before the crash occurred. Flames were seen near the runway threshold just moments later. The ministry noted that Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield, meaning it lacks a formal air traffic control tower and relies on local flight information services.
Officials said investigators will examine weather, technical, and communication records as part of a transparent and thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Authorities expect further clarity once flight data recorders and cockpit voice recordings are analysed.
What Happened to Ajit Pawar Aircraft?
The Learjet aircraft departed from Mumbai at around 8:10 am and reached the Baramati area within roughly 30 minutes. Reports suggest the aircraft encountered problems during its final approach to the runway.
Eyewitnesses said the plane descended sharply before crashing near the airstrip. The impact caused an immediate fire, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air. Fire tenders and ambulances reached the site quickly, but the severity of the crash left no scope for rescue.
Who All was on the Flight?
Five people were on board the aircraft. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was travelling with his Personal Security Officer (PSO) Vidip Jadhav and an attendant Pinky Mali. The aircraft was operated by Captain Sumit Kapoor, the pilot-in-command, and Shambhavi Pathak, the co-pilot.
Another crew member, Sahil Madaan, was also on board. All five occupants died in the crash. The DGCA has secured the site and is formally documenting the identities, roles, and flight responsibilities of each person as part of the investigation.
