Tragedy in Baramati: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash
In a deeply shocking turn of events on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died when the chartered aircraft he was aboard crashed during a landing attempt in Baramati, Pune district. The accident has sent ripples across the political landscape of the state and beyond.
The Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK) was en route from Mumbai to Baramati early in the morning when it encountered trouble while attempting to land at Baramati Airport around 8:45 a.m. Local officials say the aircraft lost control and veered off the runway, bursting into flames on impact.
Pawar — a towering figure in Maharashtra politics and leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) — was travelling with his security personnel and crew members for a series of political engagements ahead of local elections. DGCA officials confirmed that Ajit Pawar, along with two crew members and other staff on board, died in the crash.
Eyewitnesses and early visuals from the scene showed fire, smoke, and scattered debris across the crash area, underscoring the severity of the impact. Emergency teams responded promptly, but there were no survivors.
Pawar’s sudden death has triggered an outpouring of grief from leaders across party lines. Known for his decades-long public service and influence in state politics, his loss marks a significant moment of sorrow for Maharashtra. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the crash, and officials are expected to release further updates soon.
