Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar dies in Baramati chartered jet crash; state announces mourning

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, after a chartered business jet flying from Mumbai crashed near Baramati airport while attempting to land. Authorities said all five people on board were killed, triggering an immediate political and administrative response in the state.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a state holiday on January 28 and declared three days of state mourning, with the national flag to be flown at half-mast on buildings where it is hoisted regularly and official entertainment programmes suspended for the period. State government offices were ordered shut for the day as tributes poured in from across parties and public life.

According to updates carried by news outlets through the day, Pawar was travelling to Baramati for political engagements linked to local body campaigning when the crash occurred. On-ground response teams reached the site quickly and bodies were moved to a hospital for identification and procedures, while access around the crash zone was secured.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) was tasked with probing the accident, with officials indicating that an expert team would visit the site and conduct a technical investigation to determine causal factors. Investigators typically examine flight records, maintenance logs, weather conditions, cockpit communications, and physical evidence from the wreckage to establish a sequence of events.

As the state prepared for funeral arrangements and public mourning, the incident renewed attention on charter flight safety and airport operational constraints in smaller cities, where visibility, runway conditions and local weather can quickly change risk profiles. Officials have not announced preliminary findings, and the investigation is expected to take time as forensic checks proceed.

Political parties in Maharashtra and nationally continued issuing condolences through the evening, while government departments coordinated protocol for honours and crowd management. Further details are expected as the AAIB releases formal updates and as authorities complete identification and documentation at the crash site.