Ajit Pawar and 5 Dead as Learjet Crashes During Landing in Baramati, VSR Ventures Under Scanner

Baramati, January 28, 2026 – A catastrophic aviation tragedy has struck Maharashtra. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a titan of state politics, was killed this morning when his chartered aircraft crashed while attempting to land in Baramati, Pune district.

The crash, which occurred around 8:45 AM, claimed the lives of all five individuals on board, sending shockwaves through the nation. As investigators sift through the charred wreckage of the Bombardier Learjet 45, questions are already mounting about visibility, pilot decisions, and the aircraft’s history.

Here is a detailed breakdown of everything we know so far.

The Crash: A Timeline of the Final Minutes

The ill-fated flight, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, took off from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at approximately 8:10 AM. It was a short, routine commute for the 66-year-old leader, who was heading to his home turf, Baramati, to campaign for the Zilla Parishad elections.

• 8:18 AM: The aircraft first contacted Baramati airfield.

• The Approach: Upon reaching Baramati, the pilots reported that the runway was not visible due to poor conditions (suspected fog).

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• The Go-Around: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the pilots aborted the first landing attempt and performed a “go-around” to try again.

• The Impact (8:45 AM): On the second attempt, the aircraft reportedly veered off the runway threshold, crashed into a nearby farm, and exploded into a massive fireball. Eyewitnesses described hearing “four to five loud explosions” as the fuel tanks ignited, making rescue efforts impossible.

The Victims: Who Was on Board?

Authorities have confirmed five fatalities. There were no survivors. The bodies, severely charred, were transported to a local hospital for identification.

1. Ajit Pawar: Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and NCP President.

2. Captain Sumit Kapoor: The Pilot-in-Command, an experienced aviator with over 16,000 flight hours.

3. Captain Shambhavi Pathak: The Co-pilot.

4. Vidip Jadhav: Personal Security Officer (PSO).

5. Pinky Mali: Flight Attendant.

The Aircraft: VSR Ventures & The “VT-SSK” History

The aircraft involved was a Bombardier Learjet 45, registered as VT-SSK.

• Age: The jet was approximately 16 years old.

• Audit History: The DGCA had conducted a regulatory audit of this specific aircraft in February 2025, which reportedly cleared it with no “Level-1” (critical) findings.

• The Operator’s Track Record: This is the second major accident involving VSR Ventures in Maharashtra in three years. In September 2023, another Learjet 45 (VT-DBL) owned by the same company crash-landed at Mumbai airport, splitting into two pieces. While there were no fatalities in that incident, it has brought the operator’s safety culture under intense scrutiny.

Investigation: Visibility or Technical Failure?

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has taken over the probe. While early speculation pointed to technical failure, the DGCA’s initial statement highlights “runway visibility” as a primary factor.

• No Mayday Call: Reports suggest the crew did not issue a distress signal before the crash, indicating the situation spiraled uncontrollably in seconds.

• Black Box: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are currently searching for the Flight Data Recorder (Black Box) to reconstruct the final moments.

Political Storm: Sabotage Allegations

While tributes poured in from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the tragedy has also sparked a political firestorm.

• Mamata Banerjee’s Claim: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee hinted at foul play, demanding a Supreme Court-monitored probe. She controversialy stated, “I saw reports that Ajit Pawar was planning to leave the BJP… and now this has happened,” implying sabotage.

• The Backlash: BJP leaders, including Kangana Ranaut, slammed these remarks as insensitive and “neech” (low) politics during a time of grief.

What Comes Next?

• State Mourning: The Maharashtra government has declared a three-day state mourning. The national flag will fly at half-mast.

• The Funeral: Ajit Pawar’s last rites will be performed with full state honors on January 29, 2026, in Baramati.

• Political Vacuum: Known as the “Dada” of Maharashtra politics, Ajit Pawar’s death leaves a massive void in the ruling Mahayuti alliance, potentially reshaping the state’s political dynamics ahead of future elections.