A catastrophic aviation mishap claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar early Wednesday, as his private jet crashed and burned at Baramati airport. All five on board, including the NCP leader, perished in the blaze following a failed landing attempt.
The Learjet 45 had flown from Mumbai for Pawar’s scheduled district council election rallies. Trouble struck at 8:45 AM during touchdown: the aircraft veered sharply, hit the runway edge, and exploded into flames. Rescue teams battled the fierce fire but could not save anyone.
Promptly, the DGCA launched a full-scale inquiry. Wreckage forensics, including black box recovery, will decode the jet’s performance and any pre-flight issues. Maintenance logs, pilot dialogues from voice recorders, and ATC communications are under review.
Broader checks encompass meteorological data, runway integrity, and wind patterns to rule out contributory external elements. The goal is a definitive accident report.
Maharashtra reels from the loss of a political stalwart whose legacy spans decades. Public shock is palpable, with government operations halted across the state. Tributes from CM Fadnavis and peers emphasize Pawar’s role as a bridge-builder in turbulent politics, ensuring his memory endures.