A political flight turned into a national tragedy after a chartered Learjet 45XR crashed near the Baramati airport in Maharashtra, resulting in the loss of all five lives onboard. The aircraft, carrying senior leaders and security personnel, was reportedly attempting a landing when the crash occurred near the runway, triggering shockwaves across the state and the country. The flight was commanded by Captain Sumit Kapoor, with First Officer Shambhavi Pathak as flight support in the cockpit. Both pilots were among the victims of the tragic crash. Also onboard were Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s Personal Security Officer, Vidip Dilip Jadhav and cabin crew member Pinky Mali. WATCH
29 January,2026 10:48 PM ISTA tragic aircraft crash at Baramati Airport on January 28, 2026, has claimed the lives of five people, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, sending shockwaves across the political leaders. Authorities have begun a detailed examination of the debris to determine the aircraft’s impact speed, angle of descent, and structural failure points. Investigators are placing significant emphasis on the black box and cockpit voice recordings, which are expected to provide critical insights into the final moments before the crash. WATCH
29 January,2026 10:38 PM ISTMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar survived a fatal Learjet 45 crash near Baramati Airport, prompting immediate intervention from the DGCA and AAIB. This marks the second major incident involving VSR Ventures’ jets in just two and a half years, raising serious questions about aircraft safety and emergency protocols. The VT SSK registered Learjet reportedly crashed during a landing attempt, leading to post-impact fire, while rescue teams rushed to extract passengers. Early reports confirm that Pawar was critically injured but found alive, reigniting debates about air rescue operations and aviation safety measures. WATCH
29 January,2026 10:33 PM ISTThe United States has begun repositioning major naval assets closer to Iran, marking a significant escalation in military readiness even as Washington continues to emphasize diplomacy as a preferred path forward. President Donald Trump confirmed that a US “armada,” including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group and guided-missile destroyers, is moving toward the Middle East. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the deployment is meant to strengthen deterrence while making clear that military force may not ultimately be used if diplomatic channels remain viable. WATCH
27 January,2026 10:59 PM ISTADVERTISEMENT