The mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar were brought to an educational institute in Baramati, Pune district, on Wednesday evening, as emotional scenes unfolded with party workers and local residents raising slogans in his memory. Slogans such as “Ajit dada amar rahe” and “Ajit dada parat ya” (long live Ajit dada, Ajit dada come back) echoed through the premises of Vidya Pratishthan, Pawar’s home turf, where people gathered in large numbers to pay their last respects, reported the PTI. Ajit Pawar, 66, and four others on board a chartered aircraft were killed after the plane crashed barely 200 metres from the edge of a tabletop runway at Baramati airport. The sudden death of the veteran leader, fondly known as Dada, has left a major void in the BJP-led coalition government in Maharashtra and raised questions over the future of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which he headed. After post-mortem formalities at a medical college in Baramati, Pawar’s mortal remains were brought to Vidya Pratishthan in a vehicle decked with flowers. People lining both sides of the road broke down as the procession passed, with many visibly overwhelmed by grief, according to the PTI. A large number of NCP workers and residents from Baramati and other parts of the state converged on the town, long associated with the politically influential Pawar family, to pay tribute to the late leader. VIDEO | Baramati: The mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar brought to Vidya Pratishthan; people gather to pay their last respects.(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/CJx5zXNS1c — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026 Last rites with full state honours The last rites of the NCP president will be performed at the Vidya Pratishthan grounds at 11 am on Thursday, with full state honours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, leaders from across the political spectrum, and people from various walks of life are expected to attend the funeral. VIDEO | Baramati: Ajit Pawar's son Jay Pawar at Vidya Pratishthan. #AjitPawarPlaneCrash (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/0R4Yb4ozFH — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026 ‘Every development bears his imprint’ Manoj Wagh, a local teacher, said the people of Baramati were still struggling to come to terms with Pawar’s sudden death. “Almost every development work in Baramati carries the imprint of Ajit dada,” he said. Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash: Follow LIVE Updates here Top leaders reach Pune Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde along Governor Acharya Devvrat on Wednesday reached Baramati as Pune began to prepare for NCP chief Ajit Pawar's last rites. The leaders reached the site to offer their condolences to the family and party members, as well as to participate in the funeral rituals, officials said. They also met the family members of Ajit Pawar. In a post on X, the CMO wrote, "Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met with Sunetra Pawar, the wife of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, to offer their condolences. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was also present along with them. The leaders expressed their sympathy to the family following the tragic plane crash near Baramati that claimed Ajit Pawar’s life." राज्यपाल आचार्य देवव्रत यांच्यासह मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस यांनी स्वर्गीय अजित पवार यांच्या पत्नी खासदार सुनेत्रा पवार यांची भेट घेऊन त्यांचे सांत्वन केले. यावेळी उपमुख्यमंत्री एकनाथ शिंदे हे देखील उपस्थित होते. pic.twitter.com/TWPf5bBaLs — CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) January 28, 2026 Ajit Pawar’s sudden death in the Baramati plane crash has led to widespread grief across the state and the nation. Political leaders from the across the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, paid tributes to Ajit Pawar. The state government has declared three days of state mourning, and flags are being flown at half-mast across Maharashtra. CM Fadnavis had earlier stated that during these three days, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all the buildings in Maharashtra where the national flag is regularly hoisted. Funeral arrangements and public condolences The local administration has made arrangements for people to offer their condolences and participate in the final rites. Several leaders and party workers have also been seen offering prayers and paying their respects. Ajit Pawar to be cremated with state honours The last rites of Ajit Pawar, who was killed in the plane crash, will be held with full state honours on Thursday in Baramati, in Pune district, reported the PTI. The funeral will take place at the Vidya Pratishthan ground at 11 a.m. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said that leaders from across the political spectrum will attend, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to be present, the news agency reported. The crash occurred on Wednesday morning, shortly after Ajit Pawar and four others took off from Mumbai. In addition to Ajit Pawar, the victims included his personal security officer, an attendant, and two crew members, the aircraft pilot-in-command and the first officer. (with PTI inputs)
28 January,2026 10:10 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentUnion Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Wednesday said a transparent and accountable probe would be carried out into the plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Pawar. Addressing the media, the minister said preliminary inputs indicated poor visibility during landing and outlined the sequence of events that led to the accident. "We will conduct an investigation in a transparent and accountable manner. Preliminary information indicates that visibility was poor at the site at the time of landing around 8:48 am," he said, reported news agency ANI. #WATCH | Pune | On Maha Dy CM Ajit Pawar's demise in a plane crash, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu says," We will conduct an investigation in a transparent and accountable manner. Preliminary information indicates that visibility was poor at the site… pic.twitter.com/qPs0k6hQH7 — ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2026 Ajit Pawar death: Pilot initially reported runway was not visible, says Civil Aviation Minister The minister further stated, "Before landing, ATC (Air Traffic Control) asked the pilot whether the runway was in sight, and he confirmed it was not. After a go-around, the aircraft returned to land, and the pilot was again asked if the runway was visible for landing. Then, the pilot confirmed visibility of the runway. After ATC cleared landing, it was seen that the accident had occurred." Expressing grief over the loss, the Civil Aviation Minister said the incident was deeply saddening. "My heart is very heavy with sorrow. It is difficult to digest that Ajit Dada is not with us. I offer my condolences to the families of the other four persons who have died in this incident. Ajit Dada used to guide us a lot due to his experience in public service. This is an irreplaceable loss for Maharashtra. It is very difficult to find leaders like him," he said. Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on Wednesday morning in Maharashtra's Baramati. According to DGCA, five people, including the crew, on board the chartered plane flying from Mumbai, Maharashtra, to Baramati died after a crash-landing at 8.45 am. The crash landing of the Mumbai-Baramati charter plane occurred at the runway threshold in Baramati. Pawar was onboard along with two more personnel (a personal security officer and an attendant) as well as two crew members. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a state holiday on Wednesday and three days of mourning following Pawar's death. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, CM Fadnavis said that the decision on Pawar's last rites will be made after consulting his family. The last rites will be performed with full state honours, the Maharashtra General Administration Department (Protocol) informed on Wednesday. (With ANI inputs)
28 January,2026 09:30 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentUnion Minister of State (MoS) Murlidhar Mohol on Wednesday expressed profound shock following Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Pawar's death. Pawar, along with four others, died in a tragic plane crash at Baramati in Maharashtra's Pune district. Mohol, while paying a heartfelt tribute to Pawar, calling his demise an irreparable loss to the state's political and social life, news agency PTI reported. Recalling his association with Pawar, Mohol said, "I'm truly at a loss for words right now. I worked with him for many years, and this is a profound shock. He was a popular leader from Maharashtra who had carved a unique identity for himself in the state's politics over the past four decades. He was known as a public representative with a strong grip on administration." "I remember working with him in this city for 2.5 years during the COVID crisis. He was the president of the state's Olympic association, and I served as the vice-president alongside him. And today, Dada is no longer with us—this is extremely painful. This is a great loss for the social and political life of Maharashtra," he added. Ajit Pawar death: Murlidhar Mohol praises deputy CM's administrative work Mohol further said that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief was among the few leaders who commanded respect across party lines. "The thought that Dada will never return to us is also very painful. There were only a few leaders in Maharashtra politics who ruled the hearts of workers across all parties, whose leadership was always guiding and inspiring—that was Dada. It was my great fortune to have received so much of his guidance and support," Mohol added. Expressing grief over Pawar’s untimely demise, Mohol said, "I cannot even imagine the politics and social life of this district and Maharashtra without Dada. This is a loss for society, a loss for Maharashtra. This is a major blow to the Pawar family, but it is equally a blow to the political workers of Maharashtra. I don't know what to say today. The politics of this district and Maharashtra will remain incomplete without Dada. I don't even have the courage to use a word like 'tribute' for him." Five dead, including Ajit Pawar in Baramati plane crash According to DGCA, five people, including the crew of the chartered plane flying from Mumbai to Baramati, died after a crash-landing at 8.45 am on Wednesday. The incident took place at the runway threshold in Baramati. Ajit Pawar death: CM announces state holiday As a mark of respect, CM Devendra Fadnavis announced a state holiday and three days of mourning. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, CM Fadnavis said that the decision on Pawar's last rites will be made after consulting his family. (With inputs from PTI)
28 January,2026 09:21 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentHuge crowds of supporters and top leaders from Maharashtra arrived in Pune on Wednesday following the tragic death of deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati. Pune was on Wednesday evening seen preparing for Ajit Pawar's funeral on Thursday. The city saw a steady flow of party workers and political leaders who gathered to pay their respects and offer condolences at party offices in state. A huge crowd also gathered at Vidya Pratishthan in Pune to pay their last respects to Ajit Pawar. Mourners, including party workers and supporters, lined the roads to pay respects to the departed leader. Floral tributes and wreaths were laid, and many people were seen breaking down in tears as they offered prayers. Ajit Pawar, a prominent figure in Maharashtra’s politics, was being remembered for his long-standing public service, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembering him as a leader with grassroots connections. The state government has announced a period of mourning, with several leaders expected to attend the funeral proceedings later in the day. VIDEO | Baramati: A huge crowd gathered at Vidya Pratishthan to pay their last respects to Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who died in plane crash earlier today.#ajitpawarpassedaway (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/SCjQ1YuFSo — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026 Ajit Pawar to be cremated with state honours The funeral will take place at the Vidya Pratishthan ground at 11 a.m. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said that leaders from across the political spectrum will attend, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to be present, the news agency reported. The crash occurred on Wednesday morning, shortly after Ajit Pawar and four others took off from Mumbai. In addition to Pawar, the victims included his personal security officer, an attendant, and two crew members, the pilot-in-command and the first officer. Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, and two sons, Parth and Jay. Top leaders meet family members of Ajit Pawar Several top leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Governor Acharya Devvrat, reached Pune to meet Ajit Pawar’s family and participate in the mourning. Leaders from various political parties also arrived to express their sympathies, reflecting the wide impact of the tragedy across the state. State mourns deputy CM The Maharashtra government has declared three days of state mourning, and flags are being flown at half-mast across the state. A public holiday was announced on Wednesday. The last rites of Ajit Pawar are scheduled to be held with full state honours at Baramati in Maharashtra's Pune district. Fadnavis, Shinde reach Pune Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde along Governor Acharya Devvrat on Wednesday reached Baramati as Pune began to prepare for NCP chief Ajit Pawar's last rites. The leaders reached the site to offer their condolences to the family and party members, as well as to participate in the funeral rituals, officials said. They also met the family members of Ajit Pawar. In a post on X, the CMO wrote, "Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met with Sunetra Pawar, the wife of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, to offer their condolences. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was also present along with them. The leaders expressed their sympathy to the family following the tragic plane crash near Baramati that claimed Ajit Pawar’s life." The plane crash The Learjet 45, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, crash-landed at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. The aircraft was carrying five people, including Ajit Pawar, his security officer, an attendant, and two crew members. Teams from the DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have arrived to probe the accident. Naidu said the investigation would be carried out transparently and more details would be released as they emerge.
28 January,2026 08:22 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentIn a swift response to an urgent request from civic authorities following the tragic aircraft crash at Baramati Airport, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed a dedicated team of Air Warriors to assist in emergency operations at the site. The Indian Air Force while posting on social media platform X, said that the IAF team is providing essential basic Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Meteorological services to ensure the safety and coordination of air operations in and around the affected area. The IAF wrote, “ In response to civic authorities' urgent request after the tragic aircraft crash at Baramati Airport, the Indian Air Force has swiftly deployed a dedicated team of Air Warriors.” In response to civic authorities' urgent request after the tragic aircraft crash at Baramati Airport, the Indian Air Force has swiftly deployed a dedicated team of Air Warriors. They are providing essential basic Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Meteorological services to support… — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 28, 2026 Indian Air Force also added that these critical services are supporting emergency response efforts, facilitating the movement of aircraft, and enabling smooth coordination between civil and security agencies involved in rescue, relief, and investigation activities. Hailing their contribution after a tragedy, the IAF also added, “This rapid assistance underscores IAF's commitment to national service in times of need.” This move by the Indian Air Force also underscores the force’s commitment to the nation by extending support beyond its core defence role and reinforcing its responsibility towards civilian safety. Tragic plane crash at Baramati killed 5 including Ajit Pawar This comes after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar along with four others lost their lives in Baraamtai. Ajit Pawar along with two pilots, one guard and a flight attendant took off from Mumbai at around 8:00 am in the morning before their chartered plane crashed. The aircraft, a Learjet operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, was carrying five people on board, including Pawar, two accompanying staff members and two crew members. All five occupants died in the crash, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). DGCA confirms names of all five victims Hours after the incident, those on board the ill-fated flight were Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Vidip Jadhav, Pinki Mali, Sumit Kapoor and Sambhavi Pathak. The DGCA confirmed that no person survived the accident. “A Learjet aircraft carrying the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and four others crash-landed at Baramati airport. There were no survivors,” a senior DGCA official said, adding that a team of DGCA officials has been rushed to the crash site to investigate the incident.
28 January,2026 08:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s body will be cremated with state honors on Thursday, 29 January, at 11:00 am. Ajit Pawar, along with five others, died in a tragic plane crash at Baramati on Wednesday, January 28 at around 9:00 am. In view of paying heartfelt tribute to Ajit Pawar, the Maharashtra government declared a three-day mourning period on Wednesday, reported IANS. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also said that during these three days, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all the buildings in Maharashtra where the national flag is regularly hoisted. Also, no government entertainment programs should be organized during this period. It has been decided that all state government offices in the state will remain closed on Wednesday, as per IANS. PM Modi and Amit Shah to attend Ajit Pawar’s cremation ceremony As reported by IANS, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will also be attending the cremation of the Deputy CM. Meanwhile, leaders across political parties expressed grief over his sudden demise. Maharashtra declares holiday for schools The Maharashtra government has also declared Wednesday, January 28, a holiday across all state government offices and schools following the sudden demise of Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Pawar in a plane crash earlier in the day in Baramati, Pune district. Official circulars issued by the general administration department (GAD), the directorate of education, and the divisional deputy director of education, Mumbai, confirm a three-day state mourning period until Friday, January 30. The official circular mentioned, “Shri Ajit Anantrao Pawar, Honourable Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, passed away today, the 28th of January, 2026… The Government of Maharashtra hereby declares the closing of all offices of the State Government throughout the state on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026.” Ashish Shelar expresses grief over Ajit Pawar’s demise Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said, “The news of the untimely demise of Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajitdada Pawar, in an airplane crash is extremely painful and shocking.” The minister also added, “Through this heart-numbing, tragic incident, the state has lost an experienced, dutiful, and steadfast leader. His strong grip on the administration, decisiveness, and zeal for the all-round progress of Maharashtra have left a distinct mark on the state's politics. Steadfastness, discipline, punctuality, and unwavering diligence were the prominent facets of his personality.” (With inputs from IANS)
28 January,2026 07:27 PM IST | Baramati | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde along Governor Acharya Devvrat on Wednesday reached Baramati as Pune began to prepare for NCP chief Ajit Pawar's last rites. The leaders reached the site to offer their condolences to the family and party members, as well as to participate in the funeral rituals, officials said. They also met the family members of Ajit Pawar. In a post on X, the CMO wrote, "Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met with Sunetra Pawar, the wife of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, to offer their condolences. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was also present along with them. The leaders expressed their sympathy to the family following the tragic plane crash near Baramati that claimed Ajit Pawar’s life." राज्यपाल आचार्य देवव्रत यांच्यासह मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस यांनी स्वर्गीय अजित पवार यांच्या पत्नी खासदार सुनेत्रा पवार यांची भेट घेऊन त्यांचे सांत्वन केले. यावेळी उपमुख्यमंत्री एकनाथ शिंदे हे देखील उपस्थित होते. pic.twitter.com/TWPf5bBaLs — CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) January 28, 2026 Ajit Pawar’s sudden death in the Baramati plane crash has led to widespread grief across the state and the nation. Political leaders from the across the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, paid tributes to Ajit Pawar. The state government has declared three days of state mourning, and flags are being flown at half-mast across Maharashtra. CM Fadnavis had earlier stated that during these three days, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all the buildings in Maharashtra where the national flag is regularly hoisted. Funeral arrangements and public condolences The local administration has made arrangements for people to offer their condolences and participate in the final rites. Several leaders and party workers have also been seen offering prayers and paying their respects. Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash: Follow LIVE Updates here Ajit Pawar to be cremated with state honours The last rites of Ajit Pawar, who was killed in the aircraft crash, will be held with full state honours on Thursday in Baramati, in Pune district, reported the PTI. The funeral will take place at the Vidya Pratishthan ground at 11 a.m. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said that leaders from across the political spectrum will attend, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to be present, the news agency reported. The crash occurred on Wednesday morning, shortly after Ajit Pawar and four others took off from Mumbai. In addition to Pawar, the victims included his personal security officer, an attendant, and two crew members, the pilot-in-command and the first officer. Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, and two sons, Parth and Jay. Poor visibility The aircraft carrying Ajit Pawar was cleared to land at Baramati in Pune on Wednesday morning after a go-around due to poor visibility. However, once the landing clearance was finally issued, the crew did not provide any read-back or response to Air Traffic Control. Moments later, the aircraft burst into flames at the edge of the runway. The plane, a Learjet 45 operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, was attempting to land in low visibility, Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu said. A statement from the ministry described the final minutes of the ill-fated flight, which ended in the deaths of all five people on board, including Ajit Pawar. An investigation has been launched into the incident.
28 January,2026 07:17 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentOpposition leader on Wednesday demanded a probe into the Baramati plane crash leading to Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar's death as West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee called for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the incident. CM Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday claimed that all other agencies have been compromised and that only a probe under the apex court would be credible. Speaking to reporters, Banerjee said, “We trust only the Supreme Court. All other agencies have been completely compromised,” reported the PTI. She added that the truth would not emerge through existing systems. Several opposition leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, supported Banerjee’s demand for an independent investigation. Crash should be probed: Congress Kharge said the crash should be investigated as it was a serious incident. He questioned why a small plane crashed when larger aircraft have had similar accidents in the past. He also offered condolences and said Ajit Pawar’s death was a great loss, according to the PTI. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said Banerjee’s demand was justified and called for an impartial inquiry, citing previous similar incidents involving VIPs, reported the PTI. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai also urged a thorough investigation, noting the rising number of private and chartered flights and the recurring technical issues reported after accidents, the news agency reported. Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash: Follow LIVE Updates here Ministers reject political claims Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu criticised Banerjee’s remarks, calling them “dirty politics” and unfair during a time of mourning. He said such comments should have waited until after the last rites and accused her of acting for political gain, according to the PTI. BJD Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra said the Pune incident should be fully investigated. Preliminary details of the plane crash The Learjet 45, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, crash-landed at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. The aircraft was carrying five people, including Ajit Pawar, his security officer, an attendant, and two crew members. Union Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu said that initial information suggested poor visibility at the time of landing. He explained that during the first approach, the pilots reported that the runway was not in sight, prompting a go-around. On the second attempt, the runway was reported as visible, and landing clearance was given. Moments later, the aircraft crashed. Teams from the DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have arrived to probe the accident. Naidu said the investigation would be carried out transparently and more details would be released as they emerge. (with PTI inputs)
28 January,2026 07:02 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentSenior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh on Wednesday expressed deep grief over the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister was killed in a plane crash while travelling from Mumbai to Baramati earlier on Wednesday. Digvijay Singh, following the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar, called on the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, as reported by news agency ANI. Digvijay, while talking to the media on Wednesday, said, "It is with deep sorrow that we learned of Ajit Dada's death in a plane crash. Ajit Pawar had a long and distinguished political career, full of experience. This is a huge shock for all of us. But the question is, why did this accident occur?" as cited by ANI. The former Chief Minister also added, "According to preliminary information received, an aircraft from the same company suffered a similar crash in Mumbai three years ago. This incident happened due to low visibility. DGCA should conduct a full investigation into the incident. Who is conducting the maintenance of the aircraft owned by the company that owned the crashed aircraft?" Leaders express grief over the sudden tragic demise of Ajit Pawar Along with Digvijaya Singh, other leaders also expressed their sorrow over the death of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala described the late Ajit Pawar as a skilled administrator and a capable leader, reported ANI. Chennithala, while talking to the media, emphasized, "I am very shocked by hearing the news of the plane crash in Baramati. Ajit Pawar was an old friend of mine. He was a good administrator and a good leader. I pray to God, may his soul rest in peace," as per ANI. The Congress party in charge of Kerala, Deepa Dasmunshi, also extended her condolences, calling the incident deeply saddening and stating that she stands with the grieving family in this time of pain. Dasmunshi asserted, "A very sad incident happened today. A private jet crashed, and Deputy CM of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, has passed away... It is a very sad thing. My deepest condolences to him, and I stand with the family in pain now.” Tragic plane crash at Baramati killed 5 Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash on Wednesday morning. He was headed to Baramati to attend a public rally for the Zilla Parishad Elections. According to DGCA, five people, including the crew, on board the chartered plane flying from Mumbai, Maharashtra, to Baramati died after a crash-landing at 8.45 am this morning. The crash landing of the Mumbai-Baramati charter plane occurred at the runway threshold in Baramati. Pawar was onboard along with 2 more personnel (1 PSO and 1 attendant) and 2 crew members. (With inputs from PTI)
28 January,2026 06:41 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA Learjet 45 carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed near Baramati Airport on Wednesday morning, killing all five people on board, including two crew members. Preliminary reports point to poor visibility during the final approach. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the aircraft made first contact with Baramati at 8:18 a.m. and was cleared by Pune approach while inbound. During the approach to Runway 11, the pilots reported limited visibility and carried out a go-around after failing to sight the runway. On the second attempt, the crew said the runway was visible and the aircraft was cleared to land at 8:43 a.m., but no readback was received. About one minute later, ground staff saw flames near the runway threshold, followed by a loud explosion. Emergency teams rushed to the site, where the wreckage was found close to the runway. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has taken charge of the probe. The Central government on Wednesday released a detailed account of the air accident that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others near Baramati Airport on January 28, 2026. Fresh visuals from the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and five others show charred wreckage, scattered debris and smoke rising from the site near Baramati. The Bombardier Learjet 45 had crash-landed while Pawar was travelling to address… pic.twitter.com/wlazaE8ISD — Mid Day (@mid_day) January 28, 2026 The incident involved a Learjet 45 aircraft (registration VT-SSK) operated by VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd., flying on the Mumbai–Baramati sector. All five people on board received fatal injuries, including two crew members, a personal security officer and an attendant. Operator and aircraft details According to an official statement, released by the DGCA, VSR Ventures is a non-scheduled operator (NSOP) with permit number 07/2014, valid until 20 April 2028. The company has a fleet of 17 aircraft, including seven Learjet 45s, five Embraer 135BJ, four King Air B200 and one Pilatus PC-12. The aircraft involved in the crash, VT-SSK, was manufactured in 2010 and had an Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) valid until 14 September 2026. The aircraft had logged 4,915 flight hours and 5,867 cycles since new. VSR Ventures had previously experienced another accident in September 2023, when a Learjet 45 (VT-DBL) suffered an accident during landing at Mumbai Airport. That case is still under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash: Follow LIVE Updates here Crew and passenger information The pilot-in-command (PIC) was an ATPL holder with more than 15,000 flying hours, while the co-pilot held a CPL with approximately 1,500 hours. Both had valid medical certificates and recent instrument rating checks. Timeline of incident Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield, meaning there is no official air traffic control tower. Traffic information is provided by instructors and pilots from flying training organisations operating at the airfield. #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 According to the statement of the person manning the Baramati ATC - - The aircraft first contacted Baramati at 8:18 a.m. - When about 30 nautical miles away, the flight was released by Pune approach control. - The crew were advised to descend under visual meteorological conditions. - Pilots were told winds were calm and visibility was about 3,000 metres. - On first final approach to Runway 11, the runway was not visible, leading to a go-around. - On the second approach, the crew initially reported the runway was still not in sight, but soon confirmed it was visible. - The aircraft was cleared to land at 8:43 a.m., but no readback was received. - At 8:44 a.m., flames were observed near the runway threshold, prompting emergency response. - The wreckage was found on the left side of the runway, near the threshold of Runway 11. Investigation underway The AAIB has taken over the investigation, and its Director General is travelling to the site to oversee evidence collection.
28 January,2026 05:58 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Lower House of the Parliament on Wednesday made an obituary reference to the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died during a plane crash in Baramati this morning. The NCP chief was a Lok Sabha MP during the 10th Lok Sabha in 1991. The 66-year-old leader died in a charter plane crash while travelling from Mumbai to Bramati this morning. He was in Mumbai on January 27, where he attended a meeting of the Maharashtra Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Fadanvis has announced a state holiday and three days of mourning. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, CM Fadanvis said that the decision on Pawar's last rites will be made after consulting his family. Ajit Pawar, 66, was the nephew of veteran politician and NCP founder Sharad Pawar, and the cousin of Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule. He is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar and two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar. Several MPs have expressed condolences to the Pawar family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered him as a mass leader with deep grassroots. He highlighted Pawar's strong grasp of administrative affairs and his commitment to empowering the poor and underprivileged. "Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti," the X post from PM Modi said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condoled the demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Meanwhile, both Houses of Parliament also made obituary reference for former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away in December last year, while she was undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka at the age of 80. Lok Sabha mourned the demise of former MPs Shalini Patil, Bhanu Prakash Mirdha, Satyendra Nath Brohmo Chaudhury, Suresh Kalmadi and Kabindra Purkayastha. While the Rajya Sabha made obituary references for former MPs L Ganesan and Suresh Kalmadi. The Budget Session 2026-27 began with President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint session of Parliament, outlining the Union government's vision for social justice, inclusive growth, and a developed India. Both houses were adjourned on Wednesday afternoon and will meet on Thursday at 11 am. The Union Budget will be presented on February 1. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
28 January,2026 05:14 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIADVERTISEMENT
-1769593132931_d.png "NCP workers set up a condolence banner following the passing away of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, in Mumbai. PIC/PTI")