A routine political trip turned tragic on Wednesday when a private jet carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others crashed, killing all on board.
The Learjet 45, traveling from Mumbai to Pawar’s hometown of Baramati in western India, reportedly crash-landed in an open field and burst into flames, leaving no survivors, aviation authorities confirmed.
The 66-year-old Pawar, two members of his personal staff, and two crew members perished in the crash. Television footage showed the wreck engulfed in thick smoke, while rescue teams confirmed there was no chance of escape.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident. “All five occupants of the aircraft have died,” a DGCA spokesperson stated.
Pawar, a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics and a key ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wielded significant influence in the state’s rural sugar-producing regions. His aides, long-time companions in both campaigns and administrative duties, also lost their lives, compounding the tragedy.
Prime Minister Modi expressed shock and sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to Pawar’s family and supporters. “His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. He had a deep understanding of governance and was committed to uplifting the poor and marginalized,” Modi said on his official 𝕏 account.
The cause of the crash is still unknown. Investigators are expected to recover flight data recorders and cockpit voice logs to reconstruct the plane’s final moments.