Ajit Pawar : Safe After Aircraft Incident During Landing in Baramati
Ajit Pawar: A small aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar was involved in an incident while landing in Baramati on Wednesday morning, prompting an immediate emergency response and widespread concern. Initial information from local broadcasters suggested that Pawar and his security personnel escaped without serious harm, though early reports varied regarding the extent of injuries. Officials have since indicated that all facts are being verified before a formal statement is released.
Conflicting Early Reports After the Incident
Shortly after the aircraft lost control during the landing phase, regional news outlets provided differing accounts of Pawar’s condition. Local channel Saam TV reported that the deputy chief minister and his security team were safe and had narrowly avoided injury. In contrast, NDTV Marathi cited sources suggesting he was being medically assessed and described his condition as serious in the immediate aftermath. Authorities have urged caution, noting that preliminary reports are often revised as verified details emerge.
Emergency Response and Security Measures
Emergency services, including fire brigades, medical teams, and senior security officials, reached the site within minutes of the incident. Rescue teams were deployed swiftly after the aircraft reportedly encountered difficulties while attempting to land at Baramati. Police cordoned off the area to facilitate relief work and ensure the safety of responders and bystanders. Ambulances were stationed nearby as a precaution, and injured individuals, if any, were assisted and transported for medical evaluation.
Purpose of the Journey
Ajit Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to attend a public meeting amid ongoing elections to Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis across Maharashtra. Baramati, considered his political stronghold, was scheduled to host campaign-related engagements. The timing of the incident heightened attention, given the heightened security typically associated with election-period travel by senior leaders.
Visuals From the Scene
Footage circulating from the location showed damaged sections of the aircraft, with parts of the wreckage reportedly catching fire. Local residents were among the first to reach the scene, assisting authorities before additional reinforcements arrived. Witnesses said people nearby rushed forward to help in whatever way they could, highlighting the quick civilian response often seen in emergencies in the region.
Unclear Cause and Ongoing Investigation
As of Wednesday afternoon, the cause of the incident had not been officially determined. Officials said it was too early to conclude whether technical malfunction, weather conditions, or operational factors contributed to the loss of control during landing. The exact number of people on board also remained unconfirmed. Aviation authorities are expected to conduct a detailed inspection of the aircraft and review flight data as part of standard procedure.
Past Aviation-Related Incidents
The Baramati incident adds to a series of aviation-related scares involving senior political figures in Maharashtra. In October 2024, a helicopter scheduled to pick up NCP leader Sunil Tatkare crashed in Pune, though he was not on board at the time. The region has also witnessed emergency landings in recent years, often attributed to sudden weather changes during monsoon periods.
Awaiting Official Confirmation
Government officials emphasized that a comprehensive update would be shared once all agencies complete their preliminary assessments. Until then, they advised the public to rely only on confirmed information and avoid speculation. The incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety checks and coordinated emergency responses, particularly during high-profile travel amid politically sensitive periods.