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India: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Killed in Charter Plane Crash Near Baramati

By Our Correspondent

NEW DELHI - Indian state of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar died Wednesday morning when the chartered aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport in Pune district, officials and media sources confirmed.

The Learjet 45 business jet, registered VT-SSK and chartered from Mumbai, encountered difficulties on final approach at around 8:45 a.m. local time before crash-landing, according to preliminary information from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Local emergency responders arrived quickly to find the aircraft wreckage engulfed in fire and smoke. All occupants on board were killed, authorities confirmed.

At least five people including Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, an attendant and two crew members (pilot and co-pilot) were killed.

Initial reports suggest the aircraft lost stability and control during the landing attempt at Baramati. Eyewitness video and stills shared on social media and broadcast outlets show the plane breaking apart with debris, fire, and heavy smoke at the scene.

Baramati Airport manager Shivaji Taware told national media that the Learjet veered off or near the runway before crashing, though full technical findings are yet to be released.

Pawar, 66, was a senior political figure in Maharashtra, known for his long tenure in state politics and leadership in the NCP. His planned engagements on Wednesday included a series of public meetings ahead of local Zilla Parishad elections.