Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Killed in Private Plane Crash

A private aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed in western India while traveling from Mumbai to Baramati, killing all five people on board. The cause of the crash is under investigation, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described Pawar’s death as shocking, praising his dedication to public service.

A privately owned aircraft carrying the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra crashed on Wednesday in western India, killing all five people on board, according to aviation authorities. The tragic incident occurred while the plane was en route from Mumbai, India’s financial hub, to Baramati, the hometown of the senior politician.
The aircraft reportedly went down in an open field during the journey and burst into flames on impact. Visuals from the crash site showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the burning wreckage, with emergency responders and local residents rushing to the scene. The intensity of the fire left the aircraft badly damaged, making rescue efforts impossible.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known. India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), said a full investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including possible technical failure or other contributing factors.
Ajit Pawar, who was 66 years old, was serving as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, one of India’s most economically significant states and home to the megacity of Mumbai. He was a prominent political figure and a member of one of the state’s most influential political families, a dynasty that has played a major role in Maharashtra’s politics for decades, according to Indian media reports.
Pawar was traveling to Baramati to participate in campaigning activities ahead of a local election when the crash occurred. Also killed in the accident were two members of his personal staff and two crew members. The DGCA confirmed that the aircraft involved was a privately operated mid-size Learjet 45.
Following the incident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Pawar, describing him as a “leader of the people” in a message shared on social media platform X. The prime minister said the news of Pawar’s death was deeply shocking and saddening.
Modi noted that Pawar was widely respected for his hardworking nature and dedication to public service, adding that he was known for his strong understanding of administrative matters. The prime minister also highlighted Pawar’s passion for improving the lives of the poor and underprivileged, describing these qualities as defining features of his political career.