In a tragic aviation incident that has shocked the Indian political establishment, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four companions perished when their chartered Learjet crashed during landing attempts at Pune’s Baramati airport on Wednesday, January 28. The aircraft, originating from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, erupted into flames upon impact, completely incinerating the craft and rendering all victims unrecognizable. Aviation authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. Initial reports suggest challenging weather conditions may have contributed to the disaster, though official findings remain pending. The severity of the impact necessitated extraordinary identification measures, with forensic teams relying on personal artifacts and seating arrangements to establish identities. Pawar’s remains were specifically identified through his distinctive wristwatch and his preferred seating configuration aboard the aircraft, according to Pune Rural Police Superintendent Sandeep Singh Gill. The victims included Pawar’s personal security officer, an attendant, and both pilots, none of whom survived the catastrophic incident. Multiple agencies including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, forensic specialists, and National Disaster Response Force personnel have converged on the crash site to determine the exact cause of the tragedy. The state government has declared three days of official mourning following the passing of its longest-serving deputy chief minister, whose funeral proceedings were conducted with full state honors on Thursday.
Police identify Ajit Pawar’s body with wristwatch, special seat after deadly crash
