Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and 5 Others Killed in Baramati Plane Crash

Maharashtra is in a state of mourning today following the tragic news that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has passed away in an aircraft accident. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning near Baramati, the political stronghold of the Pawar family.

Six people, including Mr. Pawar, his personal staff, and the flight crew, were on board the chartered aircraft when it crashed during an attempted landing in low-visibility conditions.

1. The Timeline of the Tragedy

According to aviation officials and flight tracking data, the aircraft—a Learjet 45 (Registration VT-SSK) operated by VSR Aviation—took off from Mumbai at approximately 8:10 AM.

• The Descent: The aircraft approached the Baramati airfield around 8:45 AM.
• The Crash: After a failed first landing attempt (a “go-around”) due to heavy fog and poor visibility, the aircraft crashed into an open field during its second attempt at 8:48 AM.
• Identification: In a heartbreaking detail reported by sources, Mr. Pawar’s body was reportedly identified by his wristwatch—an ironical tie to the NCP’s “Clock” election symbol.

2. Victims of the Crash

The crash claimed the lives of all six people on board:

• Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra & NCP President.
• One Personal Security Officer (PSO) and one personal attendant.
• Captain Shambhavi Pathak (Pilot-in-Command) and the First Officer.
• One flight attendant, Pinky Mali.

3. Technical Probe: “No Readback of Landing Clearance”

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has arrived in Baramati and confirmed that a transparent investigation is underway.

• AAIB Deployment: A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has reached the site to recover the Flight Data Recorder (Black Box).
• ATC Communication: Preliminary reports suggest there was a lack of “readback” during the final landing clearance, possibly due to the uncontrolled nature of the Baramati airfield, which lacks a full-time ATC tower and relies on pilot-to-pilot information.
• VSR Aviation Under Scrutiny: Questions are being raised about the maintenance history of the aircraft, as another plane from the same operator reportedly suffered an incident in Mumbai three years ago.

4. Political Aftermath: “A Huge Loss”

The news has sent shockwaves through the political corridors of India.

• Sharad Pawar’s Reaction: NCP founder Sharad Pawar, who reached the hospital in Baramati, stated, “There is no conspiracy; it is purely a tragic accident. Maharashtra has lost a capable leader and an able administrator.”
• National Mourning: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the Pawar family to express his condolences. Leaders across the spectrum, including CM Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde, have cancelled their schedules to reach Baramati.
• Funeral Arrangements: The mortal remains are currently kept at the Vidya Pratishthan ground for public respects. The state funeral is expected to take place tomorrow at 11:00 AM.

5. Why the “Pulse” is Heavy Today

Ajit Pawar, known affectionately as “Dada,” was a titan of Maharashtra politics, famous for his “on-the-spot” decision-making and administrative efficiency. For a platform like Bharat Tech Pulse, which covers the intersection of policy and progress, his absence leaves a significant void in the state’s governance.

The Bottom Line: As investigations continue into the technical failures that led to this disaster, we join the nation in mourning a leader who was a central pillar of the National Pulse. Our thoughts are with the families of the crew and the staff who lost their lives in the line of duty.