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Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: Today (January 28, 2026) has been recorded as a dark day for Maharashtra politics. The state's Deputy Chief Minister and veteran Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, Ajit Pawar, died this morning in a plane crash. All five people on board the aircraft lost their lives in this tragic accident.
Details of the Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Incident
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The accident occurred this morning at approximately 8:45 AM. Ajit Pawar had departed from Mumbai in a chartered plane (Learjet 45) for his constituency, Baramati. According to eyewitnesses, the aircraft lost control during landing at Baramati airport and crashed into an open field a short distance before the runway, bursting into flames.
How many people died in Ajit Pawar's plane crash?
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A total of 5 people were on board the aircraft in the Ajit Pawar plane crash. The administration has confirmed that there were no survivors:
- Ajit Pawar (66): Deputy CM of Maharashtra and NCP leader.
- Captain Sumit Kapoor: The aircraft's chief pilot (Pilot-in-command).
- Captain Shambhavi Pathak: Co-pilot.
- Vidhip Jadhav: Ajit Pawar's Personal Security Officer (PSO).
- Pinky Mali: Flight Attendant.
Also Read: Ajit Pawar Net Worth 2026, Properties, Cars, Investments, Complete Financial Report
Possible Cause of the Crash
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According to preliminary investigations and the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) report, there was heavy fog in Baramati at the time of the accident. Due to low visibility, the pilot was unable to accurately judge the runway.
However, the central ministry has ordered the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to conduct a thorough investigation into the entire matter to rule out any technical malfunction or conspiracy.3-Day State Mourning in Maharashtra After Ajit Pawar’s Demise
Upon receiving this news, a wave of grief swept across Maharashtra.
- State Mourning: The Maharashtra government has declared three days of state mourning. During this period, the national flag will fly at half-mast on all government buildings, and no official entertainment programs will be held.
- Tributes: PM Narendra Modi described it as an "irreparable loss." CM Devendra Fadnavis said, "I have lost a close colleague, and Maharashtra has lost a capable administrator."
Also Read: Ajit Pawar Political Career: The Historic Journey of Maharashtra 6-Time Deputy CM
