Baramati, Maharashtra | January 28, 2026 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar was among five people killed after a chartered aircraft flying from Mumbai crash-landed at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
As per official information, the aircraft attempted to land at Baramati around 8:45 am but crash-landed near the runway threshold under circumstances that are yet to be fully established. The DGCA confirmed that all five persons on board lost their lives in the incident.
Ajit Pawar was travelling with his personal security officer (PSO), an attendant, and two crew members, including the pilot-in-command and the first officer. “As per initial information, there are no survivors in the crash,” the aviation regulator stated.
Emergency response teams rushed to the site immediately after the crash, while senior civil aviation and district officials arrived at the airport to assess the situation and oversee relief and security arrangements. The area around the runway was cordoned off as part of safety and investigation protocols.
Authorities have initiated a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash landing. Technical inspection teams are examining flight data, weather conditions, aircraft condition, and operational factors that may have contributed to the incident.
Ajit Pawar, one of Maharashtra’s most influential political leaders, played a central role in state politics for over four decades. His political journey began in the early 1990s, and he went on to serve multiple terms as Deputy Chief Minister. Known for his strong organisational grip in western Maharashtra, Pawar remained a pivotal figure in the state’s political landscape.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra’s political and administrative circles, with leaders from across parties expressing grief and shock over the loss. Further official updates are awaited as investigation agencies continue their assessment and documentation of the incident.
