Maharashtra’s political landscape was shattered Wednesday when NCP heavyweight and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar lost his life in a fiery plane crash at Baramati. The incident unfolded as his chartered Learjet 45 approached the runway, suffering a suspected technical failure that led to loss of control and a devastating collision.
En route from Mumbai for election-related rallies, the jet carried Pawar, a bodyguard, and crew. At approximately 8:45 AM, it skidded off the runway, crashed into adjacent terrain, and was quickly engulfed in flames. Despite swift response from emergency services, no survivors were found among the five occupants.
DGCA investigators have descended on the site, collecting black box data to assess flight mechanics and maintenance history. Detailed analysis of cockpit conversations, pilot-ATC interactions, and environmental variables like wind and runway conditions will pinpoint the cause.
Debris positioning and crash dynamics are being mapped to determine speed and angle of impact. This thorough probe aims to prevent future disasters in private aviation.
The news has triggered widespread grief. Pawar’s charisma and influence made him a populist icon, and his sudden absence leaves a void. Statewide shutdown of official activities underscores the shock, with leaders from all parties uniting in condolence, hailing his contributions to Maharashtra’s development.