Ajit Pawar's Death Leaves The Nation In Shock: All That Transpired On The Ill-Fated Day

Baramati: The entire nation was left in a state of shock after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a fatal plane crash on Wednesday morning. All people onboard the chartered plane were killed after the aircraft nosedived and burst into flames near the Baramati runway.

Ajit Pawar was on his way to Baramati to campaign for the Zilla Panchayat elections when the fatal crash took place. Following the crash, Pawar’s body was identified through his personal wristwatch. 

All About The Ill-Fated Plane

The plane that crashed was a Learjet 45 business jet. The aircraft, with registration number VT-SSK, was owned and operated by a Delhi-based private aviation company named VSR Ventures Private Limited.

The aircraft had departed from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 8:10 am and was scheduled to embark on a 40-minute journey to Baramati. However, the plane met an ill-fated end and crashed just minutes after departing from Mumbai.

Aircraft detail:

Aircraft registration No: VT-SSK
Year of manufacture: 2010
Cof R issued on- 27/12/2022
C of A- issued on- 16/12/2021
ARC issued on - 10/09/2025 valid up to 14/09/2026
Time Since New (TSN)/Cycles Since New (CSN): 4915:48 / 5867
Time Since last ARC (Airworthiness Review):  85:49 hrs

CCTV Footage Of The Fatal Crash

A CCTV footage has surfaced capturing the exact moment the plane crashed The video, recorded on a highway near the airport in Baramati, shows the aircraft bursting into flames at 8:46 am. The footage showed the plane plunging from the sky and nosediving before erupting into a fireball.

A video from the crash site showed the charred debris of the aircraft. The video showed smoke billowing from the land, which was left burning after the crash. Parts of the plane were seen lying scattered on the ground.

Who All Were Onboard?

The ill-fated aircraft was carrying five people:

1. Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar
2. Ajit Pawar's Personal Security Officer, Vidip Jadhav
3. Flight attendant Pinky Mali
4. Pilot Captain Sumit Kapur
5. Co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak

Why Did The Plane Crash?

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said that preliminary reports suggest that dense fog led to visibility issue that caused the plane to crash.

Foul Play?

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hinted at foul play in the fatal crash. “Just a few days ago, I came to know from social networks that somebody from another party had given a statement that Ajit Pawar was willing to leave the BJP,” Banerjee said.
Calling for an independent and transparent probe, Banerjee said only the Supreme Court could be trusted to oversee the investigation. “Now, what happened today? I need a proper investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court. Only we have trust in the Supreme Court; no other agency,” she said.

Alleging that investigative agencies had lost their independence, Banerjee stated, “All the agencies are being totally purchased. And really, it is a great loss for the country."

However, ex-CM and Ajit Pawar's uncle Sharad Pawar has clearly stated that there is “no political motive” behind this incident. He said, “Some people have suggested that there is a political motive behind this incident. However, there is no politics involved; it was simply a tragic accident." He added, "Maharashtra has suffered a huge loss with the passing of Ajit Pawar. A capable leader has left us today...This loss can never be compensated. I just want to say, please don't politicise this." 

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis also dismissed the statements made by Mamata Banerjee. He said that he is “deeply saddened” that we have reached such a point where such “dirty and despicable politics” are being played out even over someone's death. He added, “I am very sad that Mamata Didi is stooping to such a low level in politics; it is very unfortunate and completely wrong. She should not have made such a statement. To insult a very close and beloved leader of Maharashtra by politicising his death in this manner is absolutely wrong.”

Condolences Pour In

Condolences poured in following the untimely demise of the political figure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock and sorrow over the tragic news, saying, “Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening.”

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed sadness over the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar, saying, "His contributions to Maharashtra’s progress and development will always be remembered."

President Droupadi Murmu called Ajit Pawar's death an “irreparable loss”. In a post on X, she wrote, "I express my deep condolences to his family, supporters, and admirers. May God grant strength to the families of all others who lost their lives in this accident to bear this blow."

Pawar Family Comes Together

The Pawar family got together in Baramati following the demise of Ajit Pawar. His cousin Supriya Sule, who belongs to the rival NCP party, broke down in tears as she lamented the death of her “dada”. She was heard saying, “Sabka ladla chala gaya (Everyone's beloved has gone)."

NCP Factions To Merge?

The untimely demise of Ajit Pawar has left a political vacuum in Maharashtra. His demise has also sparked a speculation whether the two NCPs - one which was led was Ajit Pawar and the other which is led by his uncle Sharad Pawar- will merge in the future. In 2023, Ajit Pawar led a split in the NCP by breaking away from his uncle Sharad Pawar's NCP to form another faction of the party and join the Mahayuti alliance.

The two factions temporarily came together for the recently-concluded local body elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Ajit Pawar's Last Rites

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s last rites will be performed with full state honours on Thursday at 11 am. His mortal remains were kept on Wednesday at Vidya Pratishthan ground for the public to pay their last respects. Meanwhile, Maharashtra has announced a state holiday and three days of mourning following the demise of its Deputy Chief Minister.

Also Read- ‘Papa, I'm Going, Will Call From Hotel’: Father Recalls Final Words Of Flight Attendant Before Ajit Pawar’s Flight Crashed | Baramati