Ajit Pawar: ragic Baramati Plane Crash Claims Lives of Deputy Chief Minister
Ajit Pawar: Family members, political colleagues, and supporters began arriving in large numbers at Baramati Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday following the fatal plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar. The incident has sent shockwaves across the state’s political landscape, prompting an outpouring of grief from leaders across party lines.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed that Ajit Pawar and four others died in the crash, which occurred during the aircraft’s landing near Baramati earlier in the day. Authorities said the situation remains under investigation, with multiple agencies coordinating efforts at the crash site.
Crash Occurred During Landing Attempt
According to preliminary information, the aircraft went down while attempting to land near Baramati. The crash took place around 9 a.m., roughly an hour after the plane departed from Mumbai. Visuals from the site showed thick smoke, fire, and the severely damaged remains of the aircraft scattered across the area.
Emergency responders were seen rushing injured individuals to nearby hospitals, while local residents and bystanders attempted to assist rescue efforts before authorities secured the area. Ambulances and fire services were deployed immediately to manage the situation and provide medical assistance.
Senior Leaders Rush to Baramati
Following confirmation of the tragedy, senior political leaders began making their way to Baramati. Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar, who is Ajit Pawar’s uncle, left his residence along with family members to reach the town.
Ajit Pawar’s wife and Rajya Sabha member Sunetra Pawar, their son Parth Pawar, and his cousin and NCP MP Supriya Sule were preparing to depart from Delhi to Mumbai to be closer to the family during this difficult time. Their arrival was expected later in the day.
Hospital Sees Heavy Crowd and Tight Security
A large crowd gathered outside Baramati Medical College and Hospital as news of the crash spread. Supporters, party workers, and members of the public assembled to pay their respects, while security arrangements were strengthened to manage the growing numbers.
State Minister Dattatray Vithoba Bharne, who arrived at the hospital shortly after the incident, was visibly emotional and struggled to hold back tears while speaking with officials and family members.
Emotional Reactions Across Political Circles
The impact of Ajit Pawar’s death was felt across Maharashtra. NCP leader Anil Deshmukh, speaking to reporters in Nagpur, became visibly emotional when questioned about the Deputy Chief Minister. Overcome with grief, he folded his hands in silence and stepped away without making a statement.
Leaders from various parties described Pawar as a key figure in state politics, noting his long career and influence in both governance and grassroots politics.
Official Travel and Events Cancelled
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were scheduled to leave for Baramati to assess the situation firsthand and meet with officials and the bereaved family.
In response to the tragedy, the state government cancelled all official programs and public events planned for the day, marking a period of mourning.
Investigation and Rescue Operations Underway
Emergency services and senior security officials reached the crash site shortly after the aircraft lost control during the landing phase. Rescue teams were deployed without delay to secure the area and assist victims.
According to the Pune Superintendent of Police, three bodies were rushed to Baramati Medical College, and formal identification procedures were underway. A team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has also arrived at the site to begin a detailed technical investigation into the cause of the crash.
Travel Linked to Public Engagement
At the time of the incident, Ajit Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to attend a public meeting amid ongoing elections to Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis. Authorities said further details would be shared once initial investigations progress.
More information is expected as officials continue their assessment and recovery operations.