New Delhi, January 28, 2026 – In a devastating aviation incident, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar perished along with four others when their chartered aircraft crashed during a landing attempt at Baramati Airport in Pune district earlier today. The crash, which occurred at approximately 8:45 AM IST, has prompted a comprehensive investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and sent shockwaves through India’s political landscape.
The aircraft, a Bombardier Learjet 45 with registration VT-SSK, was operated by Delhi-based VSR Aviation. It departed from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport around 8:10 AM, carrying Pawar en route to his constituency in Baramati for a series of public meetings ahead of upcoming Zilla Parishad elections. Eyewitness accounts describe the plane veering off the runway during a second landing attempt, crashing short of the threshold, and erupting into flames with multiple explosions. No emergency signal or ‘Mayday’ call was issued by the pilots prior to the impact, according to preliminary reports. The cause remains under scrutiny, with potential factors including low visibility due to fog, though weather conditions at the time were reported as clear by some sources.
All five individuals on board were declared dead at the scene, with their bodies transported to Baramati Hospital amid a gathering of grieving supporters and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers. The Maharashtra government has declared a three-day period of state mourning from January 28 to 30, during which flags will fly at half-mast, government offices and schools will remain closed on the day of the incident, and all official entertainment programs have been suspended.
Victims of the Crash
The fatalities include prominent political figure Ajit Pawar and the aircraft’s crew and support staff. Below is a detailed account of each individual:
- Ajit Pawar, 66, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader. A veteran politician and nephew of NCP founder Sharad Pawar, he had served in the role of deputy chief minister multiple times and was known for his grassroots connections and contributions to state governance. Pawar was traveling for election-related engagements when the tragedy struck.
- Captain Sumit Kapoor, Pilot-in-Command (PIC). Based in Delhi, Kapoor was an experienced aviator with over 16,000 hours of flight time, specializing in business jet operations. He was responsible for critical decisions during takeoff and landing. His son is also a practicing pilot, highlighting a family legacy in aviation.
- Captain Shambhavi Pathak, First Officer (Co-Pilot). A young and accomplished pilot, Pathak was the daughter of an Army officer. She completed her schooling at Air Force Bal Bharati School in 2018, pursued a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from the University of Mumbai in 2022, and obtained her Commercial Pilot License through training at the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy, compliant with both New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority and DGCA standards. Prior to charter flying, she served as an Assistant Flight Instructor at the Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, holding a Flight Instructor Rating. Pathak was admired for her discipline, technical proficiency, and dedication to aviation.
- Vidip Jadhav (also reported as Vidhip or Vidhit Jadhav), Personal Security Officer (PSO). A member of the Mumbai Police’s Head Constable rank, Jadhav was assigned to Pawar’s security detail.
- Pinky Mali, Flight Attendant. Mali was responsible for onboard services during the short flight.
Investigation and Aftermath
The DGCA has dispatched an expert team to the crash site, with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau involved in examining wreckage, flight data, and eyewitness testimonies. VSR Aviation has described the aircraft as fully operational and the crew as highly trained, emphasizing that both pilots were well-versed in charter operations. This incident marks the second mishap for a VSR-operated plane in recent years, following a non-fatal crash-landing in Mumbai in September 2023.
Condolences have poured in from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, noting Pawar’s untimely demise as a significant loss to public service. Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted Pawar’s societal contributions, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described the event as “extremely heartbreaking.” Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a close associate, termed it a personal tragedy and confirmed the state’s mourning measures. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for a Supreme Court-monitored probe to ensure transparency.
Pawar’s family, including his wife Sunetra Pawar, sister Supriya Sule, and sons Parth and Jay, rushed to Baramati, joined by NCP leaders such as Praful Patel. The crash has been labeled one of Maharashtra’s most severe aviation disasters in recent memory, underscoring the need for enhanced safety protocols in charter flights.
Authorities have urged the public to refrain from speculation as the investigation proceeds. Further updates will be provided as new information emerges.
