Maharashtra was in a state of shock and disbelief on Wednesday after reports came that Ajit Pawar dead in a plane crash near Baramati. The accident took place as a chartered aircraft belonging to UY Aviation was trying to land at the Baramati airstrip in pursuance of a scheduled off-landing aviation authorities informed officials.

Pawar, 66, had been travelling from Mumbai on a chartered aircraft. He was expected to address four public meetings in Baramati later in the day as part of preparations for the Zilla Parishad elections. Those plans ended abruptly when the aircraft went down while attempting to land.

Passengers on Board and Official Confirmation

Those on board included Nationalist Congress Party leader Vidip Jadhav, Pinki Mali, Sumit Kapoor and Shambhavi Pathak. A close aide of Pawar, Kiran Gujar, who was present at the local hospital, told reporters that all six people were brought dead. The DGCA later confirmed the fatalities in a brief statement.

What is known about the crash

There is still confusion around what exactly happened at Baramati airport. From what officials are saying, the problem happened during landing. The plane seems to have gone past the runway and then slipped off to the side before crashing. It was a Learjet 45 that had come from Mumbai on a charter.

Rescue teams reached the spot soon after, but the crash was severe. There was very little chance for any rescue once they arrived. Police and aviation officials secured the area and started basic checks. Flights at the airport were stopped as a safety step.

Officials are now looking closely at the runway and nearby ground to understand how things went wrong while the aircraft was landing.

Political Shockwaves Across Maharashtra

News of Ajit Pawar's death under such circumstances quickly travelled throughout Maharashtra. Workers and supporters flocked to party offices in Pune and Baramati, with many finding it difficult to accept the unexpected loss. The day's planned political events were cancelled, and several leaders cut short engagements as condolence messages began to pour in.

The Ajit Pawar plane crash occurred at a critical point in the state’s political calendar. Pawar remained deeply involved in campaign planning and grassroots outreach, particularly in Baramati, a region long associated with his political career. That he was travelling to address public meetings when the accident happened has added to the sense of disbelief surrounding the incident.

Investigation Ordered, Cause Yet Unclear

Officials have been careful not to speculate on the cause of the crash. The DGCA said a detailed investigation would be carried out, examining technical data, runway conditions, and the sequence of events during landing. A specialized team is expected to inspect the site and coordinate with local authorities.

The incident has also renewed attention on aviation safety at smaller regional airports, though officials stressed that conclusions should only be drawn after a full inquiry. For now, the focus remains on establishing facts and supporting families of the victims.

State in Mourning

As the state absorbs the shock of the Ajit Pawar Baramati aircraft crash, political activity has slowed, replaced by a sense of mourning. Tributes continued through the day, reflecting the impact Pawar had across party lines during his decades in public life.

The loss marks one of the most tragic mornings in recent Maharashtra politics, cutting short a campaign day that was meant to be routine.

For Readers: A Reminder

It's crucial to take a moment to confirm before disseminating breaking news, particularly allegations pertaining to fatalities or major disasters. Seek multiple confirmations, official statements, or reporting from credible news organisations.

When senior public figures are involved, the absence of official confirmation is often a strong signal that caution is required.

From The United Indian

The United Indian reports on national events with care, verified facts, and context, especially during moments of public loss.