Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Dies In Charter Plane Crash Near Baramati
A Learjet 45 crashed near Baramati, killing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, officials confirmed.
Overview
A VSR Ventures-operated Learjet 45 crashed during its approach to Baramati on Wednesday, killing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, two staff members and two crew members, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said.
The crash occurred as Pawar, 66, was traveling from Mumbai to Baramati to campaign in local body elections, according to media reports and officials quoted by the DGCA.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X calling Pawar’s death "shocking and saddening," and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered three days of state mourning, officials confirmed.
Television footage showed smoke and burning wreckage scattered across an open field and witnesses reported multiple explosions, while VSR Ventures director VK Singh said the cause was not immediately clear.
A DGCA investigation and potential flight data and maintenance record reviews are expected to follow as authorities probe the cause, officials said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources report this story neutrally. They focus on verifiable facts — crash details, route, casualties, and official statements — and include a direct quote from Prime Minister Modi. Coverage avoids evaluative language, balances context about the politician’s role, and limits conjecture about causes pending investigation.
Sources (3)
FAQ
A Learjet 45 operated by VSR Ventures crashed near Baramati during approach from Mumbai, killing Ajit Pawar, two staff members, and two crew members.
Ajit Pawar was a senior NCP leader, six-time Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and influential politician from Baramati, known for roles in finance, planning, and cooperatives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it shocking and saddening; Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis ordered three days of state mourning.
The cause is not immediately clear; DGCA has confirmed the incident and a probe with flight data and maintenance reviews is expected.
Served six terms as Deputy CM, presented state budget 11 times, led in cooperatives, sugar factories, finance, and infrastructure in Maharashtra.
History
This story does not have any previous versions.