India was shaken on Wednesday after a deadly Indian plane crash claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Aviation authorities confirmed that the charter aircraft went down in flames, killing all five people onboard.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the crash left no survivors. Ajit Pawar was traveling with two staff members and two crew members at the time of the incident. The aircraft had departed from Mumbai and was heading toward Baramati when the tragedy occurred.
The crash happened while the aircraft attempted an emergency landing near Baramati, located around 250 kilometers from Mumbai. Baramati is known as the political stronghold of the Pawar family and was a key stop in Ajit Pawar’s election campaign.
Leaders Mourn as Investigation Begins
Ajit Pawar was on his way to campaign for upcoming local body elections, according to media reports. He played a major role in Maharashtra’s current government and was considered a powerful political figure. He belonged to one of the state’s most influential political families.
Saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 28, 2026
Visuals shared on social media showed thick smoke rising from burning wreckage scattered across an open field. The footage highlighted the intensity of the crash and the damage caused by the fire. Emergency teams reached the site, but the aircraft had already been destroyed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a post on X, he offered condolences to the families of the victims. He said he was saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati and prayed for strength for those affected.
Ajit Pawar had supported the Bharatiya Janata Party and led a breakaway faction after splitting from the Nationalist Congress Party in 2023. His death is expected to have a major political impact in Maharashtra, especially ahead of local elections.
Aviation safety in India
The Indian plane crash has also raised fresh concerns about aviation safety in India. Just a week earlier, an Indian Air Force training aircraft crashed in Uttar Pradesh. Both pilots survived that incident without injuries.
This tragedy follows another major aviation disaster in July 2025. An Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff and struck a medical college hostel. More than 200 people were killed, making it one of the deadliest air crashes in recent history.
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Authorities have announced a detailed investigation into the latest crash. Officials aim to determine the cause and assess whether mechanical failure or other factors played a role. Aviation experts say the findings will be closely watched due to recent incidents.
As the country mourns Ajit Pawar’s death, tributes continue to pour in from political leaders and the public. The loss marks a tragic moment for Indian politics and has left Maharashtra in shock.
