Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Tragic Plane Crash in Baramati

In a devastating blow to Indian politics, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar has passed away following a horrific plane crash in Baramati. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, sending shockwaves across the state and the nation. Pawar was on his way to attend political rallies when the tragedy struck.

The Sequence of Events

Ajit Pawar had departed from Mumbai at approximately 8:45 AM in a private chartered aircraft, while he was scheduled to lead several campaign meetings for the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections in Baramati. As the aircraft approached the Baramati airport for landing, it encountered severe weather conditions and extremely low visibility. Reports indicate that the plane skidded off the runway during the landing attempt and burst into flames almost instantly.

Fatalities and Rescue Operations

The crash was so severe that none of the occupants survived, while along with Ajit Pawar, five other individuals, including his personal assistant, security detail, and the flight crew, lost their lives. Local authorities and emergency services rushed to the site, but the intense fire made rescue efforts impossible. The aircraft was reduced to a heap of charred metal within minutes of the impact.

Investigation Launched

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a high-level probe into the accident. Preliminary findings suggest that the pilot struggled with poor visibility, which led to the fatal error during touchdown. Security agencies and forensic experts are currently at the site to collect evidence. And determine if there were any technical snags involved in the aircraft's operation.

A Massive Loss for Maharashtra

Ajit Pawar was a towering figure in Maharashtra politics, known for his administrative grit and deep connection with the grassroots, especially in the Baramati region. His sudden demise creates a massive political vacuum in the state. Leaders across the political spectrum have expressed their deep condolences, describing him as a leader who was tirelessly dedicated to the development of Maharashtra, while a state of mourning has been declared as thousands of followers gather to pay their final respects.