Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Maharashtra Police To Launch Investigation After Private Jet Crash

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