Ajit Pawar Killed in Baramati Plane Crash: Full List of Victims and Ongoing Investigation

Ajit Pawar killed in Baramati plane crash — Who else was on board

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A dark cloud has fallen over Indian politics and aviation safety following a devastating plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. On the morning of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, a chartered Learjet 45 carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport—killing all five people on board instantly [[1]]. The aircraft, which had departed from Mumbai earlier that morning, lost control during its final approach, skidded off the runway, and burst into flames. As the nation reels from the loss of a towering political figure, authorities have launched a high-priority investigation to uncover what went wrong.

Breaking Tragedy: What Happened in Baramati?

The ill-fated flight took off from Mumbai’s Juhu Aerodrome around 7:30 AM local time, bound for Baramati—a town in Pune district that is also Ajit Pawar’s political stronghold. According to preliminary reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Learjet 45 appeared normal during ascent but encountered trouble during its descent [[2]].

Witnesses near the airport described a loud explosion followed by thick black smoke. “The plane came down too fast… it didn’t look like a normal landing,” said one local farmer who saw the crash from his field [[3]]. Emergency services arrived within minutes, but the fire was so intense that rescue teams could not reach the cabin in time.

This marks one of the deadliest private aviation accidents involving a sitting Indian minister in over two decades—and the first major plane crash at Baramati Airport since its upgrade to handle private jets in 2020 [INTERNAL_LINK:indian-private-aviation-regulations].

Who Was On Board? Full List of the Deceased

All five occupants of the aircraft perished in the crash. The victims include:

  • Ajit Pawar – Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and NCP leader.
  • Captain Rajiv Mehta – Pilot with over 3,000 flying hours.
  • First Officer Anjali Deshmukh – Co-pilot and former Indian Air Force officer.
  • PSO Vikram Singh Rathore – Personal Security Officer assigned by Maharashtra Police.
  • Neha Patil – Cabin attendant employed by the charter company.

The Maharashtra government has announced a state funeral for Ajit Pawar, while the families of the other victims will receive financial compensation and full honors from the state [[4]].

Crash Details: Timeline and Eyewitness Accounts

Here’s a reconstructed timeline based on air traffic control logs and ground reports:

  1. 7:30 AM: Learjet 45 departs Juhu Aerodrome, Mumbai.
  2. 8:10 AM: Aircraft establishes contact with Baramati ATC and begins descent.
  3. 8:17 AM: Final communication received—pilot reports “slight turbulence.”
  4. 8:19 AM: Plane veers off course during landing; loses altitude rapidly.
  5. 8:20 AM: Impact and fireball observed by multiple witnesses.
  6. 8:25 AM: Local fire brigade and police arrive on scene.

Early speculation points to possible wind shear or mechanical failure in the landing gear system—but officials stress it’s too early to conclude [[5]].

Official Investigation Status and Key Questions

The DGCA, in coordination with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), has formed a special task force to lead the probe into the plane crash. The team will examine:

  • Flight data and cockpit voice recorders (black boxes)
  • Maintenance logs of the Learjet 45
  • Weather conditions at the time of landing
  • Air traffic control communications
  • Certification status of the charter operator

Notably, the aircraft was owned by a Gujarat-based private charter firm that has operated VIP flights for several politicians. Questions are already emerging about whether proper safety audits were conducted recently [[6]].

Political Fallout and National Mourning

Ajit Pawar’s sudden death creates a massive vacuum in Maharashtra politics. As a key architect of the state’s fiscal policies and a bridge between the NCP and BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, his absence could trigger realignment in the ruling coalition [INTERNAL_LINK:maharashtra-political-alliances-2026].

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed “deep sorrow” and called Pawar “a dedicated public servant.” Opposition leaders across parties have suspended campaigns and rallies as a mark of respect. The Maharashtra Assembly has been adjourned for three days [[7]].

What This Means for Private Aviation Safety in India

This tragedy underscores long-standing concerns about oversight in India’s private jet sector. According to a 2025 report by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), India ranks below global averages in regulatory enforcement for non-scheduled operators [[8]].

With over 400 private jets registered in the country—and frequent use by ministers, celebrities, and business tycoons—experts warn that without stricter protocols, similar disasters may recur. Calls are growing for mandatory real-time tracking, enhanced pilot training for regional airports, and surprise inspections of charter firms.

Conclusion: A Nation in Shock, Seeking Answers

The Baramati plane crash is more than an aviation accident—it’s a national tragedy with profound political, emotional, and systemic implications. While the country mourns the loss of Ajit Pawar and four others, the urgent need for transparency and reform in private air travel has never been clearer. The investigation must be swift, impartial, and thorough. Only then can we honor the victims by ensuring such a catastrophe never happens again.

Sources

  • [[1]] The Times of India: “Ajit Pawar killed in Baramati plane crash,” January 28, 2026.
  • [[2]] Press Trust of India: “Learjet 45 crashes during landing in Baramati,” January 28, 2026.
  • [[3]] Hindustan Times: “Eyewitnesses describe horror of Pawar’s plane crash,” January 28, 2026.
  • [[4]] Maharashtra Government Press Release: “State funeral announced for Deputy CM,” January 28, 2026.
  • [[5]] The Hindu: “DGCA launches probe into Baramati crash,” January 28, 2026.
  • [[6]] Business Standard: “Charter firm behind Pawar’s jet under scrutiny,” January 28, 2026.
  • [[7]] NDTV: “Nation mourns as political leaders pay tribute to Ajit Pawar,” January 28, 2026.
  • [[8]] International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): “Safety Oversight Audit Report – India,” 2025.

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