From Sanjay Gandhi, Bipin Rawat To Ajit Pawar: High-Profile Aircraft Tragedies That Shook The Nation

Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: In a tragic incident on Wednesday morning, Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra Deputy CM died in a plane crash. The horrific episode took place while the chartered aircraft he was in tried attempting to land at Baramati Airport in Pune district. It is understood that the plane he was flying in from Mumbai ran into serious trouble during the final phase of its journey and crash-landed on the runway at around 8.45 AM.

ALSO READ: Baramati Plane Tragedy LIVE Updates: Ajit Pawar’s Aircraft Overran Runway Before Crash; Ministry Seeks DGCA Report

In this article, we will recall the major air crashes that killed prominent political figures.

High-Profile Aircraft Tragedies That Shook The Nation

Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani: The tragic incident took place on June 12, 2025, when Vijay Rupani was traveling on Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London's Gatwick Airport. The aircraft crashed soon after take-off from the iconic Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

Congress leader Madhavrao Scindia: This tragic incident took place over a couple of decades ago. Senior Congress leader Madhavrao Scindia, who was very popular among his cadres and a former aviation minister himself died on September 30, 2001, in a plane crash. He was enroute a political rally in Kanpur. It was reported that the private aircraft crashed due to poor weather conditions near Manipuri in Uttar Pradesh.

Congress leader Sanjay Gandhi: Sanjay Gandhi, the son of then prime minister Indira Gandhi died in an unfortunate plane crash on June 23, 1980. He was flying the plane when it lost control and crashed while he was attempting aerial stunts in a Delhi Flying Club aircraft near the Safdarjung Airport.

ALSO READ: PM Modi, President Murmu Condole Ajit Pawar’s Death After Plane Crash

General Bipin Rawat: He was part of one of the most devastating air-crashes ever on Indian soil. The incident took place in 2021 near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. He was travelling with his wife and 11 others when their Mi‑17 helicopter crashed.

Arunachal CM Dorjee Khandu: Over a decade ago, on May 5, 2011, Dorjee Khandu, the then Auranachal CM was found dead in Luguthang, near the China border. His body was found five days after the helicopter that he was using went missing,