Who Was With Ajit Pawar in the Baramati Plane Crash: Latest Confirmed Details

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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Anantrao Pawar died in a tragic plane crash near Baramati on the morning of January 28, 2026, sending shockwaves across the state and national political circles. The aircraft, a chartered Learjet 45 (registration VT‑SSK), was attempting to land at Baramati's airport after departing from Mumbai when it veered off the runway and crashed, bursting into flames.

Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and police have confirmed that no one survived the accident. All occupants of the small business jet, five people in total, were killed on impact.

Who Was on Board

According to the DGCA occurrence report and corroborated by police and eyewitness accounts, the aircraft was carrying:

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1. Ajit Pawar

The Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and veteran political leader was the main passenger on the flight. He was 66 years old and was travelling from Mumbai to his hometown of Baramati to attend a series of public meetings related to the upcoming local elections.

2. Personal Security Officer (PSO)

Pawar's security officer was also on board. This is a standard practice for senior political figures in India, especially when they travel on official or semi‑official missions.

3. Attendant / Aide

In addition to his PSO, one other aide or attendant was travelling with Pawar. Reports describe this person as part of his close operational team.

4. Pilot in Command (PIC)

The pilot serving as commander of the Learjet was among those who died in the crash.

5. First Officer

The co‑pilot or first officer also lost his life in the accident.

Together, these five individuals made up everyone on board the aircraft when it attempted to land. Emergency services recovered the bodies, and local authorities transported them to a nearby hospital for further procedures. Officials said the initial counts indicated all five were brought in dead on arrival.

What Happened Before the Crash

The flight took off from Mumbai around 8:10 am and was approaching Baramati around 8:45 am when radar contact was lost. The plane was on its final descent to land on runway 11 at Baramati airport when it reportedly went off the side of the runway and crashed, igniting a fire that spread quickly amid thick smoke.

Baramati airport officials said the approach looked routine until the jet unexpectedly veered off course, though exact technical or weather‑related causes are still under investigation by the DGCA.

Aftermath and Reactions

Senior leaders across party lines, including those from Maharashtra and national figures, have reacted with shock and grief. State leadership has vowed a full investigation as condolences pour in from all quarters.

Family members, including Pawar's wife Sunetra and sons, were informed and have since gathered in Baramati amid preparations for the last rites.