Breaking: Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash — Latest Updates

In a tragic aviation accident on 28 January 2026, Ajit Pawar, then serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, died when the private jet he was travelling in crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport, Pune District. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

The chartered aircraft, a Bombardier Learjet 45 operated by VSR Aviation (registration VT-SSK), crashed during its second landing approach, bursting into flames and killing all five people on board, including Ajit Pawar, his security personnel, and two flight crew members. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

News Timeline & Facts

• The flight originated from Mumbai where Pawar was scheduled to attend multiple public meetings ahead of local elections. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Initial information suggests challenging visibility conditions during landing may have contributed to the crash. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Pawar’s body was reportedly identified by his wristwatch amid debris — a poignant detail cited by airline sources. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• A full investigation by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) is underway to determine the exact cause. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Reactions & Mourning

Leaders across Maharashtra and India expressed deep shock at the sudden loss. Tributes poured in from government officials, party members, and citizens alike, highlighting Pawar’s decades of political service and leadership. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Pilot & Crew

Among the deceased was co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, an accomplished young aviator trained in India and abroad, and pilot-in-command Sumit Kapur, both of whom lost their lives in the accident. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}