Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Investigation Begins After Tragic Demise; Aviation Minister Assures 'Transparent Probe'

VIDEO | Baramati, Maharashtra: On demise of Ajit Pawar, NCP leader Nawab Malik (@nawabmalikncp) says, "Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash this morning, this is a sad incident for us, the people of Maharashtra are mourning. The kind of rapport I used to have with him, who used to… pic.twitter.com/msl1Q7chCr

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026

VIDEO | Chandigarh: On demise of Ajit Pawar, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) says, “It is a tragic incident. I pray to God that the departed soul finds a place at his feet, and that the family left behind, along with friends and relatives, especially since, as a Deputy… pic.twitter.com/gu5HEO45sD

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026

Investigative agencies fast-track probe into plane crash case related to Ajit Pawar's death. Today, officials from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) visited the VRS Ventures office and conducted hours of questioning.

More than three senior AAIB officials arrived at the VRS Ventures office. The company owner and officials were interrogated for approximately one and a half hours.

(Source: NDTV)

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Ajit Pawar was among five people killed when an aircraft crashed in Pune on Wednesday. Operated by VSR Ventures of Delhi, the Learjet 46 went down at approximately 8:45 a.m. The fatalities included Pawar's security officer, a staff member and the two crew members.

Reports indicated that the plane crashed during its landing at Baramati Airport after the crew were unable to maintain control. The aircraft subsequently caught fire. According to sources quoted by NDTV, a wristwatch helped establish Pawar's identity after the crash, a coincidence not lost on observers as the NCP uses a clock as its election symbol.

VIDEO | On the demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi said, “A major accident occurred. I offer my tributes to Ajit Pawar and to all the others, including the officials who were with him. Undoubtedly, there will be an inquiry into the incident,… pic.twitter.com/F2UBOl0WOz

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026

VIDEO | “Maharashtra has lost a great leader; this void cannot be fulfilled”, says NCP(SP) Jitendra Awhad (@Awhadspeaks) on Ajit Pawar's demise.

(Source: Third Party)#AjitPawarPlaneCrash #BaramatiCrash

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/1idYuvd8j5

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026

State Ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Pankaja Munde, Girish Mahajan, and others arrived at Baramati Airport.

VIDEO | Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s demise: State Ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Pankaja Munde, Girish Mahajan, and others arrived at Baramati Airport.

Ajit Pawar and four other persons on board an aircraft were killed after it crashed near… pic.twitter.com/PXsr7UPjyd

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026

#WATCH | Baramati: On Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's demise in a plane crash, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu says,"...Since the incident occurred this morning, the DGCA and AAIB have been alerted, and their officers have been asked to come to the… pic.twitter.com/FavVDPnvO9

— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2026

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared one-day holiday for its offices following Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash at Baramati. Only the employees involved in emergency services will be on duty during the day.

The Maharashtra government has already declared a holiday on January 28 along with three-day state mourning.
 

The other victims have been identified as Vidip Jadhav, Captain Shambhavi Pathak and Captain Sumit Kapur.

Vidip Jadhav, a police naik attached to the Special Protection Unit of the Mumbai police, had taken off with Pawar and others from Kalina on Wednesday morning. A resident of Vitava near Thane, he is survived by his wife, son and mother. His family also headed for Baramati after being informed about the tragedy.

Captain Shambhavi Pathak was the co-pilot on the Learjet 46. According to her social media profile, she had been with VSR Ventures for the past three years. It says she received commercial pilot training in 2018-19 at the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy Limited. Earlier, she studied Aeronautics, Aviation, Aerospace Science and Technology from Mumbai University between 2020 and 2022.

Voice filled with emotion and his eyes welling up, a distraught Shivkumar Mali said his daughter had promised to speak to him 'tomorrow'. His daughter Pinky Mali was among those killed in the Baramati plane crash that also claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

“Pappa, I am flying to Baramati tomorrow (Wednesday) with DCM Ajit Pawar. After dropping him, I will go to Nanded and will speak to you once I reach the hotel…” Shivkumar, a resident of Prabhadevi in Central Mumbai, said, recounting his last conversation with his daughter.

Pinky was an attendant on the Learjet 46, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, that crash-landed at the Baramati airport. She had flown with the President, chief ministers and several political leaders, Shivkumar said, adding that she was flying with Ajit Pawar for the fourth time, according to her father.

"I spoke to her last evening, and she told me that she would be going to Baramati with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and would then proceed to Nanded. I told her ‘let us speak tomorrow after your duty’. But that tomorrow will never come," said Shivkumar, his eyes moist.

The father, who is also an activist of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) that Pawar headed, said a local politician named Samadhan Sarvankar informed him about Ajit Pawar’s plane crash.

“I switched on the television. The news left me shocked,” he said.

According to NDTV sources, Maharashtra Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's body was identified by his wristwatch.

Ajit Pawar's mortal remains will be kept at Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati for the public to pay their last respects. The funeral will take place in Baramati tomorrow morning at 11 a.m, according to NDTV sources

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said there should be a probe into the air crash in which Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others were killed. Kharge said Pawar's death was untimely and he was someone who worked for the people.

"This has hurt everyone, including his family members, and we share their grief and pray that they can bear this loss," the Congress chief told reporters in the Parliament House complex.

Kharge said there should be a probe as it was an accident. "Everyone, all leaders, keep travelling for urgent work. But so many instances, we saw in Ahmedabad how a big plane crashed. This was a small plane, why this happened? It should be probed. We demand a probe," he said.

Visibility was poor when aircraft carrying Ajit Pawar was about to land in Baramati: Civil aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar and expressed condolences at the death of his nephew, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, in an air crash in Baramati.

"The prime minister spoke to Sharad Pawar on the sad demise of Ajit Pawar and expressed his condolences," officials said.

Ajit Pawar's sister Supriya Sule, wife Sunetra Pawar break down in tears after meeting Sharad Pawar’s friend Vitthal Sheth Maniyar and other family members.

#AjitPawarDeath | Supriya Sule, Sunetra Pawar Reach Baramati After Ajit Pawar's Death, Break Down In Tears After Meeting Sharad Pawar’s Friend Vitthal Sheth Maniyar And Other Family Members@vasudha156 and @padmajajoshi share details pic.twitter.com/ZCSqtisi2K

— NDTV (@ndtv) January 28, 2026

Shiv Kumar Mali, father of Pinki Mali who was a member of the crew on the ill-fated charter plane, says, "I spoke to her for the last time yesterday. She told me that she will head to Baramati with Ajit Dada. She also told me that from there, she will head to Nanded and speak to me once she checks into a hotel..."

#WATCH | Charter plane crash landing in Baramati | Mumbai, Maharashtra: Shiv Kumar Mali, father of Pinki Mali who was a member of the crew on the ill-fated charter plane, says, "I spoke to her for the last time yesterday. She told me that she will head to Baramati with Ajit Dada.… pic.twitter.com/Pvj2pdHChR

— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2026

Political leaders from Madhya Pradesh including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh on Wednesday expressed grief over Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash.

1. Pawar was always dedicated to serving the poor, deprived and the backward, CM Yadav said in his condolence message. "He made invaluable contributions to Maharashtra's development. He was a down-to-earth leader. I express my condolences on his untimely demise. I pray to Baba Mahakal to grant him a place at his holy feet and give strength to his bereaved family to bear this loss," Yadav added.
2. Senior BJP leader and Union Agriculture Minister Chouhan said he was shocked and filled with deep grief and anguish upon hearing the news. He could not believe that Ajit Pawar was no more, Chouhan said. "He was my close friend and associate. His contributions as a public leader, a skilled administrator and a visionary will always be remembered. The void created in Maharashtra politics by his passing is irreparable," the BJP leader said.
3. In a post on X, former chief minister Kamal Nath said that Ajit Pawar's death has caused an irreparable loss to Indian politics. Pawar dedicated his entire life to serving the people of Maharashtra, he added. "May God grant peace to his soul and give strength to his family to bear this loss," said Nath.
4. Former chief minister Digvijaya Singh said, "I am shocked to hear the news of Ajit Dada's death in a plane crash. Our heartfelt condolences to (Pawar's wife) Sunetra ji and her family. May God give them the strength to bear this irreparable loss."
5. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan told PTI, "I am deeply saddened by Pawar's death. He was a prominent figure in Maharashtra's political and social life and had good relations with opposition leaders. He maintained a harmonious relationship with everyone."
6. Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari said the news of Ajit Pawar's death was extremely painful and heartbreaking. "I pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family and supporters to bear this immense grief," he said.
    

A CCTV footage of the chartered aircraft at Baramati Airport was accessed by NDTV which shows the crash of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's chartered aircraft at Baramati Airport on Wednesday. The video showed a Learjet 45 crashing at Baramati Airport with the plane descending low, impacting the runway, and exploding in flames with black smoke.

Watch Video HERE

The five people on the ill-fated charter plane were Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Vidip Jadhav, Pinki Mali, Sumit Kapoor, and Sambhavi Pathak. 

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray took to social media platform to pay tribute to Ajit Pawar. He wrote, "My friend and Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Ajit Pawar, has passed away. Maharashtra's politics has lost an outstanding leader."

"Ajit Pawar and I entered politics around the same time, though our acquaintance came much later. But on the strength of his sheer passion for politics, Ajit Pawar took great strides in Maharashtra's political arena. Though Ajit Pawar was a leader forged in the mold of Pawar Saheb, he later carved out his own independent identity. And he imprinted that identity in every nook and corner of Maharashtra," said Thackeray 

"In the 1990s, urbanisation gained momentum in Maharashtra. Rural areas began tilting toward semi-urbanisation, yet the tone of politics there remained rural, even as the nature of their issues started turning somewhat urban. Ajit Pawar had a complete grasp of this kind of politics and the skill to handle it adeptly. Pimpri Chinchwad and Baramati are two excellent examples of that. Whether it was Pimpri Chinchwad or Baramati, Ajit Dada transformed these regions in ways that even his political opponents would acknowledge", wrote Thackeray.

"He was a leader with a precise grip on administration and an exact knowledge of where to untangle the knots in a file to resolve it. In an era when administration must rise above those in power, it is extremely tragic that Maharashtra has lost such a leader."

"Ajit Pawar was remarkably straightforward. If something couldn't be done, he'd say it to your face, and if it could, he'd put all his energy into it. Deceiving people by making promises and surrounding himself with crowds wasn't his style. In politics, one has to pay a price for straightforwardness and candor—I know that from experience, and one can imagine how much Ajit Pawar must have had to pay for it."

"Another quality of Ajit Pawar that I admired was that he was utterly free of caste bias, and caste had absolutely no place in his politics. In today's politics, leaders who demonstrate the courage to engage without regard for caste are dwindling, and Ajit Pawar was undoubtedly at the forefront among them."

"Opposition in politics is political, not personal. That's why leaders in Maharashtra who keep in mind that poisonous criticism of each other shouldn't be taken personally are becoming fewer. The successive departure of generous opponents from politics is a great loss to Maharashtra's fine political tradition."

"My family and I share in the grief of the Pawar family. On behalf of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, heartfelt tribute to Ajit Pawar," concluded Thackeray.

Raj Thackeray.

माझे मित्र आणि राज्याचे उपमुख्यमंत्री अजित पवार यांचं निधन झालं. महाराष्ट्राच्या राजकारणाने एक उमदा नेता गमावला.

अजित पवार यांचा आणि माझा राजकारणातला प्रवेश हा काहीसा एकाच काळातील, अर्थात आमचा परिचय हा बराच नंतरचा. पण राजकारणावर कमालीचं प्रेम या एका गुणावर अजित पवारांनी… pic.twitter.com/yIjUC255Af

— Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) January 28, 2026

"We have lost a strong leader and a fine colleague from my cabinet,” said Shiv Sena party chief Uddhav Thackeray, paying tribute to Ajit Pawar.

"In Uddhav Thackeray's cabinet, Ajit Pawar was the Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister. He was a very disciplined leader, who had a firm grip on his department and a deep understanding of the finance sector. A special bond developed between us as he was an excellent colleague. Ajit Pawar was open-hearted. He would speak whatever came to his mind. He did not hold grudges. Even though he adopted a different path in politics, he did not let the relationship break," said Uddhav Thackeray.

"He was popularly known as ‘Dada’ in Maharashtra. We never thought he would leave us so prematurely. He was known as a leader who cared for his party workers. His passing has created a void in the state's leadership. He was truly a ‘Dada’ in every sense. My heartfelt tribute to Dada, on behalf of myself, the Thackeray family, and the Shiv Sena family!, concluded Uddhav Thackeray.

Organisation Information:

• M/s VSR Ventures is a Non-Scheduled Operator (NSOP), Permit No. 07/2014,
• Initial AOP was issued on 21.04.2014
• The AOP was last renewed on 03.04.2023 and is valid till 20.04.2028
• No of aircraft in the fleet: Seventeen (17) aircraft.
• The fleet included seven (07) Learjet 45 aircraft (one involved in accident), Five Embraer 135BJ aircraft, Four King Air B200 aircraft and One Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.

Aircraft detail as on Jan 26, 2026:

• Aircraft registration No:       VT-SSK-
• Year of manufacture:           2010
• Cof R issued on                   27/12/2022
• C of A- issued on                 16/12/2021
• ARC issued on                     10/09/2025 valid up to 14/09/2026
• Time Since New (TSN)/Cycles Since New (CSN):      4915:48 / 5867
• Time Since last ARC (Airworthiness Review):            85:49 hrs

The last regulatory audit was carried out by DGCA in the month of February 2025 and no level-I finding were issued. On Sept 14, 2023, one of the company aircraft, Learjet 45 aircraft with registration VT-DBL was involved in an accident during landing at Mumbai Airport. The accident is under investigation by AAIB.  

Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield and traffic information is provided by the instructors/Pilot from the Flying training Organisations at Baramati.  As per the statement of the person manning the ATC following are the sequence of events:

1. On Jan 28, 2026 the aircraft VI-SSK first came in contact with Baramati at 0818 IST.
2. The aircraft's next call was at 30 NM inbound to Baramati and they were released by Pune approach. They were advised to descend in Visual Meteorological conditions at pilot's discretion.
3. The crew enquired about the winds and visibility and they were informed that the winds were calm and visibility was around 3000 mts.
4. Next the aircraft reported on the final approach of Runway 11 and the runway was not in sight to them. They initiated a go-around in the first approach.
5. After Go Around, the aircraft was asked about its position and crew reported on final approach of runway 11.
6. They were asked to report runway in sight. They replied “runway is currently not in sight, will call when runway is in sight". After a few seconds they reported that the runway is in sight.
7. The aircraft was cleared to land on runway 11 at 0843IST, however, they did not give a readback of the landing clearance.
8. Next, the ATC saw the flames around the threshold of runway 11 at 0844 IST. The emergency services then rushed to the crash site.
9. The wreckage of the aircraft is located on the left side of the runway abeam threshold R/W 11.
10. AAIB has taken over the investigation, DG, AAIB is reaching the accident site for investigation. 

A CCTV camera footage accessed by NDTV shows the plane carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar and four others crashing at 8:45 a.m.

CCTV Footage Shows Moment Ajit Pawar's Plane Crashed, Burst Into Flames https://t.co/QIhkS2HAJj@vedikas @padmajajoshi @shivaroor pic.twitter.com/GtNYC5Wn8k

— NDTV (@ndtv) January 28, 2026

Pawar and four others were killed after an aircraft carrying them crashed near Baramati on Wednesday.

The government declared three days of state mourning across Maharashtra as a mark of respect to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash. As per the government’s instructions, state mourning will be observed from Jan 28 to Jan 30, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all buildings where it is flown regularly, the department said in an official communication.

There will be no official entertainment during the mourning period, it said.

The department further declared that all state government offices across Maharashtra will remain closed on account of the demise of the deputy chief minister.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar paid tribute to Ajit Pawar on social media. In a post on X, Tendulkar wrote, "Very sad to learn about the untimely demise of Shri Ajit Pawar ji. Maharashtra has lost a dedicated leader who worked for the people, across the state.  
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti."

अजित पवार यांच्या निधनाची बातमी ऐकून खूप दुःख झाले. महाराष्ट्रासाठी काम करणारा एक चांगला नेता आज आपण अचानक गमावला आहे. पवार कुटुंबियांच्या दुःखात मी सहभागी आहे. ईश्वर त्यांच्या आत्म्यास शांती देवो.
भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली. ॐ शांती. 🙏🏽

Very sad to learn about the untimely demise of…

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 28, 2026

Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) team to reach Baramati crash site for further investigation. Ajit Pawar, 66, and four other persons were killed after an aircraft carrying them crashed in Maharashtra’s Pune district on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred when the plane carrying Pawar and others landed near Baramati.
 

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah expressed grief over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash and said the country has lost one of its great sons.

"The news about Pawar's death is heartbreaking. He was a great son of Maharashtra who sincerely tried to change the destiny of the state. His passing away in the plane crash left me deeply saddened," Abdullah told reporters in Jammu.

He said the contribution of the deceased politician will never be forgotten and "today, India has lost one of its great sons."

"No one has power over the will of Allah. He was on his way to Pune for election preparations, but fate did not favour him. His death is not only an irreparable loss to the entire Pawar family but for the entire nation," the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said.
 

VIDEO | Following the tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in the plane crash, NC chief Farooq Abdullah says, "One of Maharashtra's very great sons, who tried to change the destiny of Maharashtra, has been killed in a plane accident. I express my regret… pic.twitter.com/nMoDM4Q0VD

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026

Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Babasahib Patil, NCP leader Vikram Kale tearfully mourn the demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.

#WATCH | Latur, Maharashtra | Maharashtra Minister & NCP leader Babasahib Patil and NCP leader Vikram Kale tearfully mourn the demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar pic.twitter.com/gDdMVfYTlw

— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2026

1. Maharashtra Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat said everyone had great respect for Ajit Pawar, who had the ability to face difficult situations. Pawar's death was shocking for him and the entire state, he added.
2. State OBC Welfare Minister Atul Save said Pawar's death has created a vacuum in the state, as it has lost a leader who took efforts for its development.
3. NCP leader and former state minister Dhananjay Munde said that Ajit Pawar was his pillar of support and never let him feel the absence of his father. 
4. NCP's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district president and MLC Satish Chavan said that he has lost his "god". "I never felt that such a time would come. He (Pawar) brought me into politics. I have lost my god," he told reporters.
5. Former Leader of Opposition in the state legislative council, Ambadas Danve, in a post on X said, "Pawar was a leader who stood tall through four decades of relentless hard work and slipped away in a single moment." He always kept his word, had an excellent grip on the administration and was deeply connected to the grassroots. This loss is not just of the Pawar family, but of Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader added.
6. Another Sena (UBT) leader and former MP, Chandrakant Khaire said, "I was a minister and he was an MLA earlier between 1995 and 1999. Later, he was in power for a long time but always cooperated with the people from Opposition parties whenever needed," 
7. Former AIMIM MP Imtiaz Jaleel said that with Pawar's demise, the state has lost an efficient administrator who was known for his decision-making ability.

Read more tributes HERE.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter0, President, Yuva Sena (Shiv Sena) Aditya Thackeray wrote, "Ajit dada's news is truly shocking! Words fail me. I had the opportunity to work with dada for 5–6 years... first in the government and then for a few days in the opposition. His commanding grip on legislative affairs and his affectionate nature won over many like me. Even when I was in the opposition, I had publicly said this many times. Today's news is truly shocking. My humble tribute to Ajit dada and his colleagues in the accident." [sic]

अजित दादांची बातमी ही धक्कादायक आहे! शब्दच नाहीत.

दादांसोबत गेले ५–६ वर्षं काम करण्याची संधी मिळाली… पहिलं सरकारमध्ये आणि नंतर काही दिवस विरोधी पक्षात. त्यांची विधिमंडळ कारभारावर असलेली रुबाबदार पकड आणि प्रेमळ स्वभाव हा आमच्यासारख्या अनेकांना आवडायचा. मी हे विरोधी पक्षात असताना…

— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) January 28, 2026

The following visuals from the crash location are sensitive, and can be triggering to viewers. Please watch at your own discretion.

Watch HERE

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta condoled the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday, saying it was an irreparable loss for the state. In an X post, Gupta said the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar in an unfortunate plane crash, was painful and shocking. "His demise is an irreparable loss for Indian politics, especially Maharashtra," the Delhi chief minister said.

She extended her deep condolences to the bereaved family members and supporters of Pawar, praying, "May the almighty grant the departed soul a place in his feet and give strength to the grieving family to bear the immense sorrow."

महाराष्ट्र के माननीय उपमुख्यमंत्री श्री अजित पवार जी के एक दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण विमान हादसे में असामयिक निधन की खबर अत्यंत पीड़ादायक एवं स्तब्ध कर देने वाली है। उनका जाना भारतीय राजनीति विशेष रूप से महाराष्ट्र के लिए, एक अपूरणीय क्षति है।

शोकाकुल परिवारजनों एवं उनके समर्थकों के प्रति…

— Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) January 28, 2026

Huge crowd gathers outside Baramati hospital as mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP leader, Ajit Pawar were brought here. Watch Video:

#WATCH | Maharashtra | Huge crowd gathers outside Baramati hospital as mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP leader, Ajit Pawar, have been brought here

He died in a charter plane crash while travelling from Mumbai to Bramati this morning. pic.twitter.com/xVcbIwxJIQ

— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2026

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announced a three-day state mourning.

He said, "Losing a leader like him is an unprecedented loss. In personal life, he was a good friend. We faced many challenges together. At a time when he was contributing to Maharashtra's development, his untimely demise is a loss. We stand with his family. I, along with Eknath Shinde ji, will go to Baramati today. I have informed the PM and HM about the incident, and they have expressed sadness over it."

#WATCH | Mumbai | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "Maharahstra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has lost his life in a plane accident. There is an atmosphere of sadness in the state. Losing a leader like him is an unprecedented loss. In personal life, he was a good friend. We faced… pic.twitter.com/F3bXxN9BlB

— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2026

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani on social media platform wrote, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar. Just a month ago, we stood together in Baramati for the inauguration of the Sharad Pawar Centre of Excellence in AI - a moment that reflected Ajit ji's vision, his belief in progress and his commitment to Bharat’s youth and her future. May we honour his legacy by continuing the work he championed to build a future-ready Maharashtra."

Deeply saddened by the passing of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar. Just a month ago, we stood together in Baramati for the inauguration of the Sharad Pawar Centre of Excellence in AI - a moment that reflected Ajit ji's vision, his belief in progress and his… pic.twitter.com/WEbi96HBBm

— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) January 28, 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, "This loss is not just of the Pawar family but of the entire state. I am feeling as if I have lost my elder brother." Shinde said Pawar had a pure mind and was a very straightforward, fearless leader, with a grip on administration.

He recalled how Pawar, as the then finance minister, made fiscal arrangements when his government (in 2024) decided to roll out the Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides a monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 to women in the state.

"We (Shinde, Pawar and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis) worked as a team," Shinde said.
 

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday described the death of his fellow Deputy CM Ajit Pawar as sad and unfortunate and said the aircraft accident that claimed his life will be probed.

Speaking to reporters, Shinde lauded the contribution of Pawar, who served as his colleague in different cabinets and was also his deputy when he helmed the government from 2022 to 2024. "It is a very painful incident...very sad and unfortunate for Maharashtra. The aircraft accident will be probed," he said.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SCP) chief Sharad Pawar, along with his wife, Pratibha Pawar, leaves for Baramati from their Mumbai residence, Silver Oaks. Watch video:

#WATCH | Mumbai | NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar, along with his wife, Pratibha Pawar, leaves for Baramati from their Mumbai residence, Silver Oaks. pic.twitter.com/4LseVAKflF

— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2026

Today, the news of the loss of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and our senior NDA colleague Ajit Pawar ji in a tragic accident has left my heart deeply distressed. The way Ajit Pawar ji dedicated himself to the welfare of every section of society in Maharashtra over the past three and a half decades cannot be expressed in words. Whenever we met, he would engage in long discussions on numerous issues related to the welfare of the people of Maharashtra. His passing is a personal loss not only for the NDA family but also for me.

I express my deepest condolences to the Pawar family. In this hour of grief, the entire NDA stands firmly with the bereaved Pawar family. May God grant the departed soul a place at His divine feet. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.

आज एक दुःखद हादसे में महाराष्ट्र के उपमुख्यमंत्री और NDA के हमारे वरिष्ठ साथी अजीत पवार जी को खो देने की सूचना से मन अत्यंत व्यथित है।

अजीत पवार जी ने बीते साढ़े तीन दशकों में जिस प्रकार महाराष्ट्र के हर वर्ग के कल्याण के लिए खुद को समर्पित किया, उसे शब्दों में व्यक्त नहीं किया…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 28, 2026

Maharashtra Police has said a comprehensive investigation will be conducted into the plane crash to determine its exact cause. Investigators will closely examine and photograph the debris at the crash site to assess the aircraft’s speed and angle of impact, news agency IANS reported.

The black box will be analysed to check the aircraft’s technical condition and airworthiness at the time of the flight. Authorities will also scrutinise all pre-flight maintenance records.

The cockpit voice recorder will be reviewed to understand the pilots’ last conversations and decisions, while official communications between the pilots and Air Traffic Control will be examined. Weather conditions, runway status, and wind direction will also be taken into account during the probe.

A woman eyewitness said she noticed the aircraft in the morning as it circled the Baramati airport. "It took a round in the air, appeared a bit unstable and as it was approaching the runway to land, it hit the ground hard and exploded. There was a loud sound and could be heard at our home," the woman told a news channel. She said several parts of the aircraft were hurled into the air after the explosion and fell near her house. "The plane tilted before coming down. We saw the explosion and it was frightening," she said.

Another eyewitness also said the aircraft appeared to be losing control as it descended. "The way the plane was coming down, we felt it was going to crash. It was around 100 feet above the runway. As we rushed towards it, we saw flames, followed by four to five consecutive blasts, which prevented us from going anywhere near the aircraft," he told reporters. "It was a major fire. We later learned that Pawar was on the aircraft. It was shocking for us," he added.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, in a post on social media X wrote, "Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Shri Ajit Pawar in the plane crash in Baramati earlier today. My sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this loss. May his contributions to public life be remembered, and may the bereaved find strength in this difficult time."
 

Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Shri Ajit Pawar in the plane crash in Baramati earlier today. My sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this loss. May his contributions to public life be remembered, and may the bereaved find strength in…

— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) January 28, 2026

The ill-fated aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar appeared "a bit unstable in the air" and exploded the moment it crashed on the ground near Baramati in Pune district on Wednesday morning, according to a woman eyewitness.

Another person who witnessed the incident said that after the crash, the aircraft burst into flames, followed by four to five consecutive blasts.

Flightradar24's post tracks the fatal crash of Learjet 45XR VT-SSK near Baramati Airport, carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others from Mumbai, ending abruptly at 2600 feet during a second approach.

Indian media reporting the crash of a business jet this morning has claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and 4 others. The aircraft was attempting a second approach to Baramati Airport when it crashed. https://t.co/0RKiD9sZVU pic.twitter.com/1kcoWgc3I1

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) January 28, 2026

Second Accident In Three Years For VSR Aviation, Operator Of Ajit Pawar's Private Jet. Read full story HERE.

The Kerala Assembly on Wednesday observed a brief silence to pay tribute to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar who died in an aircrash in Pune in the morning. Besides Pawar, five others in the aircraft also died in the crash.

After the question hour ended, Speaker A N Shamseer informed the House about Pawar's death and asked everyone to observe a brief silence. The crash occurred when the plane carrying NCP leader Pawar (66) and others was landing in Pune's Baramati area.

In a post on X, Minister of Defence of India, Rajnath Singh posted, "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."

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…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 28, 2026

In a post on X, President Droupadi Murmu wrote, "The news of the death of several people, including Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is extremely tragic. The untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji is an irreparable loss. He will always be remembered for his special contribution to the development of Maharashtra, especially in the cooperative sector. I express my deep condolences to his family, supporters, and admirers. May God grant strength to the families of all others who lost their lives in this accident to bear this blow." [sic]

महाराष्ट्र के बारामती में एक विमान दुर्घटना में महाराष्ट्र के उप मुख्यमंत्री, श्री अजित पवार समेत कई लोगों की मृत्यु का समाचार अत्यंत दुखद है। अजित पवार जी का असामयिक निधन एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। उन्हें महाराष्ट्र के विकास में, विशेषकर सहकारी क्षेत्र में, विशेष योगदान के लिए सदैव…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 28, 2026

In a post on X, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted, "Deeply shocked and stunned by the suddden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss. My condolences to his family including his uncle Sharad Pawar ji, and late Ajitji's all friends and followers. The incident needs proper investigation."

Deeply shocked and stunned by the suddden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss.

My condolences to his family including his uncle…

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 28, 2026

In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted, "Saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief."

Saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 28, 2026

Ajit Pawar, Vijay Rupani To Sanjay Gandhi: Indian Politicians That Have Died In Helicopter, Aircraft Crashes

Read HERE

There were five passengers -- Deputy CM of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar onboard along with two more personnel (one PSO and one attendant) and two crew members (pilot in-command and the first officer) -- on board the Learjet 45 aircraft when the accident happened.

On Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's death in a charter plane crash in Baramati, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant says," I always did what he said. He was a bold man. He had a big role in the development of the Baramati region. I express my condolences to the entire Pawar family."

#WATCH | Delhi | On Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's death in a charter plane crash in Baramati, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant says," I always did what he said. He was a bold man. He had a big role in the development of the Baramati region. I express my condolences to the… pic.twitter.com/x763glD5XQ

— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah both contacted Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadanvis and received information and updates about the Baramati plane crash: Maharashtra Government

Maharashtra Congress leader and ex minister Dr Nitin Raut has expressed deep shock and expressed apprehension about it being a sabotage. He has demanded investigation in the incident. He has also cautioned against the rampant use of helicopters and small aeroplanes by political leaders seeking to cover more areas in a day.

Pune: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's plane in flames after it crashed during landing, at Baramati in Pune district, Maharashtra on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. Pawar, along with three others on board, was killed in the crash. (Photo: PTI)

Ajit Pawar
Photo Credit: (Photo: PTI)

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar passes away: Read full story here

Fire was seen at the sight where Ajit Pawar's plane crashed in Baramati.

NCP Chief #AjitPawar dies in plane crash in Maharashtra's #Baramati. Here are the visuals from the site pic.twitter.com/XLGgoPVujg

— NDTV (@ndtv) January 28, 2026

Ajit Pawar was supposed to go to Baramati to attend four rallies, reports NDTV.

Local sources told NDTV that four-five people were on board in the aircraft that crashed in Baramati