Three Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidates were elected to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) 227-member general body on January 16. With the leadership in the NCP in immediate lurch due to the demise of Deputy Chief Minister and party chief Ajit Pawar, the newly elected representatives are now left looking to other party leaders for guidance and advice, steadfast that they have support from the party, and willing to continue supporting their party in turn. The NCP faction led by Ajit decided to break away from the Mahayuti alliance — its partner in the BJP-ruled government in Maharashtra — and contest the BMC elections alone. Subsequently, three candidates from NCP were elected to the BMC’s general body — Ayesha Khan from ward number 96; Sayeeda Khan from ward number 168; and Bushra Nadeem Malik from ward 170. In contrast, the Mahayuti Alliance secured 118 seats in the polls. With news of Pawar’s demise, most members from the NCP leadership, party workers, and all elected representatives decided to travel to Baramati to be there for the Pawar family, and pay their respects. Speaking with mid-day on Wednesday afternoon, Ayesha Khan said, “I am travelling to Baramati with my family. All of us have decided to go, and there is no question otherwise. I offer my condolences to the family, and I will stand strong with my party.” When asked about how she views her future with the party, especially as an elected representative in BMC, she said, “There is no question about this.” Saeeda Khan remained unavailable for comment, and an aide of Bushra Khan told mid-day that she was unavailable for comment. Meanwhile, with support and grief pouring in from across party lines, a senior state leader from NCP said, “Dada is irreplaceable. This party is part of his legacy. But now is our time to grieve.” Rakhee Jadhav, former group leader in BMC from the undivided NCP in 2017, who switched to the BJP ahead of the recent BMC elections and was elected for yet another tenure, said, “I am travelling with other party members and leaders to Baramati. We will reach tonight (Wednesday). Even though I’m in a different party now, Dada is a figure I deeply respect. I learnt a lot from his leadership… like punctuality, putting your people’s needs first, and how to approach work. His work ethic has left a deep mark on me. These kinds of ties transcend our day-to-day politics.” ThreeNo. of NCP corporators in BMC
29 January,2026 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSThe political equations in Maharashtra are likely to shift significantly following the demise of Ajit Pawar, and attention has now turned to the future of the NCP and the fate of the all-powerful finance portfolio. The immediate questions before the ruling Mahayuti alliance are twofold: who will lead the NCP faction once headed by Ajit Pawar, and whether the finance portfolio will remain with the party. For the NCP (Ajit Pawar), three options appear open. The party can continue independently with new leadership, either from Pawar’s family or among its senior leaders, while remaining part of the BJP-led government. The second option is political reunification with the NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar. While no formal discussions have begun, political observers say the finance portfolio will inevitably become a key point of negotiation in the days ahead. During the formation of the Mahayuti government comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had been keen to retain the finance department. However, Ajit Pawar’s faction strongly asserted its claim, and after intense negotiations, the portfolio remained with the NCP. In a post-Ajit Pawar scenario, many in political circles believe the BJP may continue its alliance with the NCP faction and even allow it to retain the deputy chief minister’s post, but may prefer to bring the finance department back under its control. If that happens, the portfolio could either be handled directly by Chief Minister Fadnavis or be allocated to a senior BJP minister nominated by him.The only exception would be if the NCP insists on retaining the finance ministry as a condition for staying in the alliance. In that case, the party could project former finance minister Dilip Walse Patil as a candidate. Another possibility could emerge if the two NCP factions reunite. Under such a scenario, senior leader Jayant Patil could be considered for the portfolio. Both Walse Patil and Jayant Patil have previously handled the finance department and are widely regarded as experienced administrators with deep knowledge of state finances. The third option is that the NCP remains split, with senior leaders taking over but since the next elections are far away the chances the chances of that happening are bleak.
29 January,2026 09:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarUddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said political differences never came in the way of their personal equation. Thackeray said the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) chief’s decision to take a different path did not strain their relationship, and that he had lost a strong leader and an outstanding colleague. Raj Thackeray, MNS chief ‘Ajit Pawar’s departure marks the loss of an outstanding and capable leader for Maharashtra, remembered as remarkably straightforward, free of caste bias, and firmly in command of administration.’ Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister remembered Ajit Pawar as a mass leader with a deep grassroots connect, saying his death was a personal and irreparable loss that had left him “deeply distressed”. “I am numb and at a loss for words.”’ Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister said Ajit Pawar’s demise was a great loss to the state, describing him as a studious, courageous, and disciplined leader with a strong command over administration. “He was like an elder brother and one who never hesitated to say no to schemes that would burden the state exchequer.” Sharad Pawar, NCP-SP founder said Maharashtra has lost one of the most efficient leaders. “This is an irreparable loss. The plane crash is purely an accident, and I urge people not to politicise this issue.” Supriya Sule, NCP-SP leader and cousin of Ajit Pawar broke down in tears while meeting family members in Baramati. “Devastated”, she said in a one-word post on her social media handle.
29 January,2026 09:28 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentShambhav Pathak, the co-pilot of chartered aircraft VT-SSK that crashed at Baramati on Wednesday, was among the five people killed. With around 1500 flying hours and a Commercial Pilot’s Licence, Pathak had graduated from the Bombay Flying Club (BFC) in 2022. Faculty members at BFC remembered her as a calm, composed, and disciplined student. Kavita Parab, HOD and senior executive at BFC, told mid-day, “She was one of those students who knew how to manage her life well. Despite having a primary job, she never missed exams and always maintained discipline to excel in every area.” Pathak had joined BFC during her second year of BSc studies at Mumbai University and began direct practical and theoretical flight training. She stood out as a high-performing student, scoring a GPA of 9.93 out of 10. “That itself shows how dedicated she was to aviation,” a faculty member said. The crash occurred at around 8.45 am when the VSR Ventures-operated Bombardier Learjet 45, VT-SSK, attempted to land at the threshold of Runway 11 at Baramati Airport. Air Traffic Control personnel witnessed the aircraft going up in flames after impact. According to information released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the five people on board were Pilot-in-Command Sumit Kapoor, Co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, cabin attendant Pinky Mali, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and Mumbai PSO HC Vidit Jadhav. The impact and the subsequent fire claimed all five lives. Second crash VT-SSK was a 16-year-old aircraft and one of seven Learjet 45 aircraft owned by the operator. This is the second aircraft from the operator’s fleet to be involved in an accident in the last five years. The earlier incident involved aircraft VT-DBL, which met with an accident while landing at Mumbai airport. The investigation is being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). According to the preliminary report, the incident occurred on September 14, 2023. “At 113133 UTC, the crew had runway in sight, and they decided to land on Runway 27. The aircraft continuously drifted right of the Runway 27 and moved towards Apron C. About 40 seconds after the autopilot was disconnected, a Stick Shaker alert sounded in the cockpit, accompanied by a Stall warning. Thereafter, EGPWS warnings were generated, and the aircraft crash-landed at the shoulder of the intersection of Taxiway W and Taxiway N. As a result, the aircraft’s fuselage broke into two pieces and skidded, finally coming to a stop near the intersection of Taxiway U and Taxiway N on an unpaved area near stand C80,” the report stated. Baramati airport . Uncontrolled airfield: No operating ATC tower; pilots are responsible for safety, maintaining separation, and coordinating traffic.. Runway: Single runway (11/29), 1770 metres long and 30 metres wide, with turning pads at both ends. Advisory tower: Flight advisories are provided by senior pilots from an adjacent aviation academy due to the absence of a full ATC facility 8.45 amTime of the accident
29 January,2026 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur“Baramati may be my birthplace, but Pimpri-Chinchwad is my karmabhoomi,” Ajit Pawar often said and he lived by those words. The sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Pune district Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on Wednesday has left Pimpri-Chinchwad numb with grief. For the industrial township he helped build and nurture for over three decades, the loss feels intensely personal. Across the twin cities, residents speak of a deep sense of emptiness. Many say the city feels orphaned — such was the emotional and administrative bond Pawar shared with Pimpri-Chinchwad. Discipline and vision Having covered the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) beat for over two decades, one thing stands out clearly: no leader understood the city’s pulse quite like Pawar. During the recent civic elections, he spent nearly a month in the city, campaigning relentlessly. For journalists covering him, there was one unwritten rule: arrive early. Pawar was never late, not once. During the campaign, he even hosted an informal interaction with journalists in Pimpri. Smiling, he opened the session by saying, “Ask anything. I won’t get angry.” The room burst into laughter. True to his word, he answered every question candidly and calmly, earning respect across the media fraternity.He usually arrived in the city early in the morning, for meetings, inspections, inaugurations or surprise site visits. His command over administration was firm, his expectations clear. Officials knew that delays, excuses, and poor execution would not be tolerated. Political roots Pawar’s political journey is deeply intertwined with Pimpri-Chinchwad. In 1991, he contested his first Lok Sabha election from the Baramati constituency, which at the time included the twin city. His victory marked the beginning of a long association that would shape local politics for decades.Under his leadership, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) ruled the PCMC uninterrupted for 15 years, a period that came to define the city’s transformation. Pawar approached urban development with foresight, preparing long-term plans by studying the city’s future population, industrial growth and infrastructure needs. Planned growth, infra He began by identifying core civic problems and addressing them systematically. Road connectivity, public transport, alternative traffic corridors, water supply, and sewage systems were all planned with precision. Importantly, he ensured that rapid urbanisation did not come at the cost of environmental balance. As the guardian minister and later as deputy chief minister and finance minister, Pawar ensured consistent financial support for Pimpri-Chinchwad. His political influence helped the PCMC secure central funding without bureaucratic hurdles. Under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), the city received nearly '2600 crore, accelerating projects related to roads, bus transport, solid waste management, water supply, sewerage systems and slum rehabilitation. Landmark projects Several defining projects were initiated under Pawar’s guidance: . Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre on 200 acres at Moshi. Central Business District on 33 acres along the Mumbai-Pune National Highway. Science Park, now a symbol of the city’s educational ambitions. Expansion and modernisation of roads, flyovers, grade separators and railway overbridges. Development of public gardens and civic spaces. Strengthening of healthcare infrastructure, which later helped the city record one of the lowest mortality rates during the COVID-19 pandemic Technology-driven Ajit Pawar strongly encouraged the adoption of technology in civic administration. The e-Suvidha platform allowed citizens to pay taxes and utility bills online, improving transparency and efficiency. Social welfare schemes flourished under his watch. Affordable housing for the urban poor, the Nigdi Otta Scheme, improved health services, and upgraded civic amenities became hallmarks of PCMC governance. Women empowerment remained a major focus. Self-help groups received interest-free loans of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000. Sewing machines were distributed, and training programmes in driving and computer skills were launched to promote financial independence. Schemes were also introduced for workers, students, sportspersons and senior citizens, ensuring inclusive growth. The Sarthi helpline started by PCMC later became a model replicated across the state. No compromise on quality Ajit Pawar’s punctuality was legendary, but equally notable was his insistence on quality. He planned with the next 50 years in mind. Cleanliness, discipline and aesthetics were non-negotiable. He personally inspected projects, preferred on-site inaugurations and rarely abandoned any work midway. Officials recall how he would arrive in the city at dawn to review projects, keeping the administration constantly alert. As a result, Pimpri-Chinchwad’s development was not just rapid; it was structured, durable and future-ready. Just as he loved Baramati, Ajit Pawar loved Pimpri-Chinchwad deeply. That affection translated into lasting institutions, modern infrastructure and a civic culture rooted in discipline and efficiency. His recent citizen outreach meetings in the city had drawn an overwhelming public response, a reminder of the connection he never lost with the people. 1991Year Ajit Pawar first contested Lok Sabha polls from Baramati 15No. of yrs NCP ruled PCMC
29 January,2026 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana DahiwalWith the sudden demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who held the crucial Finance portfolio, the Maharashtra government now faces a major challenge ahead of the state legislature’s budget session scheduled to begin on February 23. Handling the Finance Department at short notice is considered a complex task, especially with the budget process already underway. Senior officials and political observers say Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis may temporarily take charge of the portfolio, and could even present the state budget himself. Last year, Ajit Pawar had presented the Mahayuti government’s budget, marking his 11th state budget, the second-highest number presented by any finance minister in Maharashtra’s history. While tabling the budget, Pawar had acknowledged that the state’s debt burden was rising but maintained that it remained within prescribed fiscal limits. According to official finance documents, Maharashtra’s total debt is projected to touch Rs 9.32 lakh crore in the financial year 2025-26. In 2024-25, the actual debt stood at Rs 8.39 lakh crore, higher than the earlier estimate of Rs 7.8 lakh crore. Despite fiscal pressures, Pawar had announced that the government would not increase ready reckoner rates or introduce any major new taxes, citing concerns over burdening taxpayers and the common man. He had also assured that no cuts were made to development or infrastructure spending. However, with multiple new infrastructure projects lined up and revenue receipts under strain, officials admit that balancing the upcoming budget will be a difficult exercise. Given the circumstances, many within Mantralaya believe Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is the most viable option to take temporary charge of the Finance Department. Fadnavis has previously handled the portfolio and is familiar with the budget-making process. In the past, he had also authored a simplified booklet explaining the state budget in easy language, aimed at helping citizens understand complex financial terms and allocations. As the government prepares for the budget session amid political uncertainty and fiscal pressure, the responsibility of steering Maharashtra’s finances now rests heavily on the leadership’s next move. Rs 9.32 lakh croreAmount Maharashtra’s total debt is expected to reach in the financial year 2025–26
29 January,2026 09:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarPost-mortem examinations of the two pilots who were operating the chartered aircraft that met with a fatal accident at Baramati airport have been completed, and their bodies have been released to their families for final rites, reported news agency PTI. The autopsies of pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor and co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak were carried out at the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Medical College in Baramati. Hospital authorities said the mortal remains were handed over to family members after the procedures, reported PTI. Five killed as aircraft crash-lands near runway threshold The aircraft, which was flying from Mumbai to Baramati, crash-landed near the runway threshold at around 8.45 am on Wednesday, killing all five people on board. Among those who lost their lives was Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, along with his personal security officer, a flight attendant and the two pilots. DGCA confirms five occupants; cause of crash under probe According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the jet was carrying five occupants when it met with an accident during its landing attempt at Baramati airport. Officials said investigations are underway to determine the precise cause of the crash, reported PTI. IAF deploys ATC team, equipment to support emergency operations Meanwhile, acting on an urgent request from the Maharashtra government, the Indian Air Force deployed a team of Air Traffic Control personnel along with critical technical equipment from Air Force Station Lohegaon to Baramati. Defence officials said the team helped set up emergency ATC services, including communication and operational support, in coordination with the local administration. AAIB collects records from aircraft operator VSR Ventures As part of the ongoing investigation, officials from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) visited the office of VSR Ventures Private Limited, the operator of the aircraft involved in the crash. Investigators were seen collecting multiple boxes of documents from the premises. These included airframe and engine logbooks, work orders, onboard documentation and major inspection records related to the aircraft. The probe team has also sought additional records from the DGCA concerning both the aircraft and its crew. Officials said radar data, CCTV footage, air traffic control recordings and hotline communications will be analysed as part of the detailed inquiry. (With inputs from PTI)
29 January,2026 09:03 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentAjit Pawar, fondly known as ‘Dada,’ began his political journey in Baramati and rose to occupy some of the most powerful positions in Maharashtra’s government. On Wednesday, that journey came full circle, ending in the very constituency that remained the anchor of his political life, even as his long-cherished dream of becoming the state’s chief minister remained unfulfilled. Born into one of Maharashtra’s most influential political families, Ajit Pawar entered public life in the 1980s under the guidance of his uncle and mentor, veteran leader Sharad Pawar. While the latter built his political base through the cooperative sugar sector, Ajit Pawar followed the same route, learning the mechanics of power from the grassroots upward. His first exposure to public administration came through the cooperative movement. He served as a member of a sugar factory board before becoming chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank, one of the most influential institutions in district-level politics and finance. These roles helped him build a vast network across western Maharashtra and shaped his reputation as a tough administrator. Entry in electoral politics Ajit Pawar’s formal political breakthrough came in 1991 when he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Baramati on a Congress ticket. However, he resigned midway through the term to facilitate his uncle’s move to national politics in Delhi. Thereafter, Ajit Pawar shifted his focus to state politics. He was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from Baramati, a seat that would become his political fortress for over three decades. A six-time MLA, Ajit Pawar went on to create two major records in Maharashtra politics. He served as deputy chief minister a record six times under different chief ministers, including Prithviraj Chavan, Uddhav Thackeray, Eknath Shinde, and Devendra Fadnavis. Equally significant was his role as finance minister. Pawar presented the Maharashtra state budget 11 times, the second-highest number in the state’s history, cementing his image as one of the most powerful figures in Mantralaya. CM post that never came In 2004, Ajit Pawar came closest to fulfilling his ambition of becoming chief minister. The Nationalist Congress Party won more seats than its alliance partner, the Congress, in the Assembly elections. However, Sharad Pawar chose to allow the Congress to retain the chief minister’s post in exchange for an additional cabinet berth in the UPA government at the Centre. The decision deeply upset Ajit Pawar, who openly expressed his disappointment at the time. Political strains within the family resurfaced in 2009, when Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule entered electoral politics and was elected MP from Baramati. Aware of his nephew’s discomfort, Sharad Pawar clarified that Sule would focus on national politics, while Ajit Pawar would manage the party’s affairs in Maharashtra. Despite internal tensions, Ajit continued to lead the NCP’s state unit under his uncle’s guidance for nearly a decade. In 2019, Ajit Pawar stunned Maharashtra’s political establishment by briefly aligning with the BJP and taking oath as deputy chief minister alongside Devendra Fadnavis. The government collapsed within three days, after which Ajit returned to the NCP and resumed his role as deputy chief minister under his uncle’s leadership in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. Known for his blunt style, Pawar was often criticised for his harsh language during meetings and public speeches. Yet, within bureaucratic circles, he was regarded as a decisive administrator and a relentless “go-getter.” He was famous for beginning his workday as early as 6 am and for offering clear answers, often a simple “yes” or “no,” rather than ambiguous assurances. Unlike many leaders who preferred delays and deliberations, Pawar believed in swift decision-making. Over his long career, he handled some of the most powerful portfolios in the state government, including finance, planning, irrigation, energy, public works, and the deputy chief minister’s office. His career, however, was not without controversy. He was forced to resign from the cabinet after allegations related to the irrigation scam surfaced, although he later made a political comeback. The 2023 split In 2023, Ajit Pawar triggered a major political upheaval by splitting the Nationalist Congress Party and forming a separate faction, parting ways with his uncle. He subsequently joined the Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government and was sworn in once again as deputy chief minister. Despite the political rupture, signs of reconciliation emerged in 2026, when the factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar contested the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections together as allies. Political circles were abuzz with speculation that the two factions could reunite after the Zilla Parishad elections scheduled for February 5, with counting on February 7. Ajit Pawar’s sudden death has now cast uncertainty over those possibilities, leaving behind unanswered political questions and an unfinished chapter in Maharashtra’s power politics. 2023Year Ajit Pawar split NCP Ajit Anantrao Pawar 1959: Born on July 22 in Deolali Pravara village, Rahuri taluka, Ahmednagar district (now Ahilyanagar)1980: Entered active public life1982: Elected to the board of a cooperative sugar factory1991: Became chairman of Pune District Central Cooperative Bank1991: Elected MP from Baramati, later resigned1991: Elected MLA from Baramati1991–93: Minister of state in agriculture, power, soil conservation and planning1999–2014: Held key cabinet portfolios including irrigation, finance, planning and energy2012–14: Deputy chief minister2019: Brief three-day deputy CM stint with BJP2019–22: Deputy CM and finance minister in MVA government2022: Leader of Opposition2023: Split NCP, formed separate faction, joined the Mahayuti government2024: Sworn in again as deputy chief ministerJanuary 28, 2026: Died in a plane crash while travelling from Mumbai to Baramati
29 January,2026 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarAs the news of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash spread, thousands of party workers and supporters gathered outside the Baramati Medical College, turning the hospital surroundings into a scene of intense grief and mourning. The supporters from Baramati and nearby areas raised cries of sorrow, expressing disbelief over the sudden loss of their leader. Many said they felt orphaned by Pawar’s untimely demise. The roads leading to Baramati witnessed heavy traffic as supporters headed there from Pune and Ahilya Nagar. A 70-year-old supporter from Katewadi village said, “My farm is beside Pawar’s residence. I can’t believe how god took away my dada. We are orphans now. Dada was the future of Maharashtra.” When MLA Rohit Pawar arrived at the hospital, the emotional outpouring intensified. Despite his own deep sorrow, Rohit appealed to workers to remain calm and maintain peace, urging them to cooperate with the administration during this difficult time. The news of Ajit’s death spread like wildfire across Maharashtra, leaving the entire state and the Pawar family stunned. Upon receiving information about the horrific accident, Rohit immediately rushed to the hospital in Baramati. After seeing the mortal remains of his uncle and political mentor, he lost his composure and broke down outside the hospital, unable to control his tears. Support system shattered Although Ajit and Rohit were on different political paths, at a personal and family level, Rohit always regarded Ajit as his strongest pillar of support. From the moment he learned of the crash, he appeared deeply disturbed. After interacting with doctors inside the hospital, he stepped out with grief clearly visible on his face and tears in his eyes. Rohit remains at the hospital, closely monitoring the situation and staying in touch with officials to ensure administrative formalities and further procedures are carried out smoothly. Political chapter With Ajit’s passing, Maharashtra has lost a decisive, experienced, and influential leader. For Rohit, the loss goes far beyond politics — it marks the collapse of a major emotional and personal support system.
29 January,2026 08:54 AM IST | Baramati | Archana DahiwalThe final rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash earlier this week, will be conducted with full state honours on Thursday in Baramati, Pune district, reported news agency PTI. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the funeral, which is scheduled to take place around 11 am at the Vidya Pratishthan sports ground, reported PTI. Pawar died in Learjet crash near Baramati airstrip Pawar, 66, was killed on Wednesday morning when a chartered Learjet aircraft crashed near the Baramati airstrip, about 100 km from Pune. Four others on board — two pilots, a flight attendant and Pawar’s personal security officer — also lost their lives in the accident. Mortal remains shifted to Katewadi; procession begins at 9 am Earlier on Thursday, Pawar’s mortal remains were shifted from the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Hospital in Baramati, where they were kept overnight, to his native Katewadi village near Baramati. The funeral procession is set to begin at 9 am. Thackerays, CM Fadnavis, Dy CM Shinde visit bereaved family Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya Thackeray visited the Pawar family at their residence on Thursday to offer condolences. On Wednesday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had also met the family at the hospital. ADR registered; CID to probe based on AAIB findings Police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) in connection with the crash. Officials said the aircraft went down barely 200 metres from the edge of the tabletop runway at Baramati. As per standard procedure, the ADR will be transferred to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which will conduct a probe based on the findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, which functions under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has already taken over the technical investigation. A CID official told PTI that in case of the death of an influential public representative or figure in an accident, the probe is carried out by the CID. "We have not yet received any orders. However, it is likely that CID will receive the orders and will likely conduct the probe into the ADR registered with local police," he explained. (With inputs from PTI)
29 January,2026 08:53 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentPolice have lodged an accidental death report (ADR) following the aircraft crash in Baramati that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, officials said on Wednesday, reported news PTI. Pawar, 66, was among five occupants of a chartered aircraft that went down on Wednesday morning, barely 200 metres from the edge of the tabletop runway at Baramati airport in Pune district. “A case of accidental death has been registered at the Baramati taluka police station,” a senior officer from the Pune rural police confirmed, reported PTI. ADR likely to be transferred to CID after AAIB findings As per established protocol, the ADR will be transferred to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which will carry out its inquiry based on the findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The AAIB, functioning under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has already assumed charge of the technical investigation into the crash, reported PTI. A senior CID official said investigations involving the death of a prominent public figure in an accident are typically handled by the CID. “Formal orders are yet to be issued, but it is likely that the CID will be directed to probe the ADR registered by the local police,” the official told PTI. Pawar was on way to Pune district meetings ahead of ZP polls Ajit Pawar, who headed the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), had departed from Mumbai earlier in the day and was scheduled to address four public meetings in Pune district ahead of the February 5 Zilla Parishad elections. Crew members and aide among four other victims Those who lost their lives along with Pawar included pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor, who had logged over 15,000 flying hours, co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak with around 1,500 hours of experience, Pawar’s personal security officer Vidip Jadhav, and flight attendant Pinky Mali. Go-around due to poor visibility; no response after final clearance In a statement, the government outlined the sequence of events leading up to the crash. The Learjet aircraft was initially forced to make a go-around due to poor visibility and was later cleared to land at Baramati. However, after the final clearance was issued, air traffic control did not receive any acknowledgment from the cockpit, and moments later the aircraft caught fire near the runway edge. (With inputs from PTI)
29 January,2026 08:45 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
