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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others were killed on Wednesday morning when the aircraft they were traveling in crashed in Pune district, officials said.
The crash occurred as the plane carrying Pawar (66) and the others attempted to land near Baramati, they added. Data from Flight Radar showed that the aircraft departed Mumbai at 8:10 am and went off radar around 8:45 am. Pawar was on his way from Mumbai to Baramati to address public meetings as part of the campaign for the February 5 zilla parishad elections.
A police official confirmed that five people were onboard when the aircraft went down at 8:50 am.
Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill said a fire broke out after the crash. “Those onboard were immediately rushed to the hospital,” he added.
According to NDTV reports, pilot had reported poor visibility near the runway before attempting to land. The aircraft, a Learjet 45 (LJ45) manufactured by Bombardier's Learjet Division, veered off the runway during landing at Baramati airport and caught fire, the source said.
Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra, a Rajya Sabha MP, and their two sons, Parth and Jay. Recently, Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) contested the municipal corporation elections in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad in alliance with NCP (SP), led by his uncle Sharad Pawar.
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.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 28, 2026
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…
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.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 28, 2026
My condolences to his family including his uncle…
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.
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