Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Baramati Plane Crash

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died on Sunday after his chartered plane crashed while landing at Baramati airport. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed that the crash claimed five lives, while local sources reported all six people onboard were brought dead to hospital.

The 65-year-old NCP leader was travelling to his hometown to address four public meetings ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections.

Crash Details Emerge

Baramati airport manager Shivaji Taware told Hindustan Times that the aircraft, a Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK) chartered from Mumbai, went off the side of the runway while attempting to land.

"The aircraft VT SSK was attempting a landing, and the aircraft went off the side of the runway and crashed," Taware said.

All Onboard Confirmed Dead

Kiran Gujar, a close aide of Ajit Pawar in Baramati who was present at the local hospital, confirmed the tragic outcome. "All six people including Ajit Pawar brought dead," he stated.

The mishap occurred in the morning hours as Pawar was arriving to campaign for the upcoming local body elections.

Political Veteran

Ajit Pawar, nephew of NCP founder Sharad Pawar, was serving as Deputy Chief Minister in the Mahayuti government. A powerful political figure in Maharashtra, he had represented Baramati and wielded significant influence in state politics for decades.

The crash has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra's political establishment. Further details about the cause of the accident and the identities of other victims are awaited.