Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, 66, was among five people killed when the chartered Learjet 45 aircraft he was travelling in crashed near Baramati Airport on the morning of 28 January 2026.
The jet, operated by private charter firm VSR Aviation (registration VT-SSK), was attempting to land in poor visibility when it veered off the runway, caught fire and exploded, killing Pawar, his personal security officer, two crew members and an attendant.
While authorities including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched investigations, political tensions have risen, with opposition leaders demanding independent probes and some alleging conspiracies.
Pawar’s uncle, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Sharad Pawar strongly denied any political motive, calling it a tragic accident, even as public mourning and state funeral arrangements proceed amid widespread grief.
Crash, Investigation Status and Official Reactions
On the foggy morning of 28 January 2026, a Bombardier Learjet 45XR (VT-SSK) carrying Ajit Pawar took off from Mumbai and was bound for Baramati to attend election campaign events when it encountered trouble while landing.
According to early DGCA reports, the aircraft attempted a second approach reportedly due to low visibility conditions near the uncontrolled Baramati airfield – which lacks a formal air traffic control tower before it veered off the runway, burst into flames and was destroyed on impact. None of the five people on board survived.
The victims have been identified as:
- Ajit Pawar (Deputy Chief Minister and senior political leader),
- Vidip Jadhav (Personal Security Officer),
- Sumit Kapur (Pilot-in-Command),
- Shambhavi Pathak (Co-Pilot), and
- Pinky Mali (Flight attendant).
VSR Aviation, the charter company, has issued a statement asserting that the aircraft was “100% safe” and the crew “fairly experienced,” while acknowledging that poor visibility could have been a key factor. The DGCA and AAIB teams are at the crash site collecting evidence, including black box recorders, to determine the sequence of technical and human factors leading to the accident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the tragedy, noting Pawar’s administrative experience and commitment to the state’s development. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reached out to Maharashtra officials for updates.
Several national leaders took to social media and public platforms expressing sorrow, while cultural icons, including cricket great Sachin Tendulkar, shared heartfelt condolences, calling Pawar’s death a loss to the people of Maharashtra.
Political Fallout and Public Mourning
The aftermath of the crash has been a mix of universal grief and political friction. Sharad Pawar, veteran Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader and uncle of the deceased, described the incident as a “purely accidental and non-political tragedy.” He appealed to all political groups to refrain from speculation and to respect the bereaved families during their time of loss.
However, several opposition figures, including Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal Chief Minister) and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, have called for independent investigations, with Banerjee specifically demanding a probe supervised by the Supreme Court. They argued that mistrust in investigative agencies warrants impartial scrutiny to reassure the public and prevent misinformation.
Other leaders across party lines such as Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi and Union Minister Giriraj Singh also expressed their shock and grief. Many emphasised Pawar’s contributions to governance and regional development, noting the void his sudden departure creates in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
The state government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, declared three days of mourning, lowered flags to half-mast and made state funeral arrangements. Massive crowds gathered near Baramati’s Vidya Pratishthan where Pawar’s body lay in state, leading officials to change the funeral procession route due to overwhelming public turnout.
Ajit Pawar’s Life, Legacy and Questions Ahead
Ajit Pawar had served as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister multiple times a record non-consecutive six terms under various governments and coalitions spanning three decades. Born on 22 July 1959 in Deolali Pravara, Maharashtra, he began his political journey in local cooperative movements before rising through state politics. Over the years, he played influential roles in agriculture, infrastructure and governance, shaping Baramati’s socio-economic profile.
His political trajectory also saw strategic shifts, including alliances and splits within the Nationalist Congress Party and ties with ruling coalitions at the Centre and in the state. These dynamics, coupled with speculation about his future political moves in recent months, have fueled debate and scrutiny in public discourse following his passing.
Questions continue to swirl some grounded, others speculative about systemic issues in aviation safety, airport infrastructure in smaller towns like Baramati, and whether regulations around emergency landings and uncontrolled airfields need urgent reforms. Independent experts have called for comprehensive probe outcomes to be made public, noting that clarity is essential not only for accountability but for restoring public trust.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragic event is a stark reminder of the fragility of life, irrespective of power, influence or status. While calls for accountability and transparent probes are vital in a democratic society, they must be grounded in verified facts rather than rushed speculation.
The Logical Indian urges collective empathy, responsible dialogue and respect for grieving families above politicisation of loss. Constructive discourse rooted in verified investigation outcomes can strengthen public institutions and safety protocols, rather than deepen divisions.
