Maharashtra is in a state of profound shock as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has officially announced three days of state mourning following the tragic death of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.
The 66-year-old leader, along with four others, perished on Wednesday morning, January 28, 2026, when their chartered Learjet 45 crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport.
Latest Developments: January 28, 2026
State Mourning & Holiday: CM Fadnavis has declared a three-day mourning period across Maharashtra. A government holiday has also been specifically announced for Baramati today as the town shuts down in grief.
Top Leadership Heads to Baramati: CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde have cancelled all scheduled programs and are currently en route to Baramati to oversee the situation and meet the bereaved family.
Family Update: Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule, and Sunetra Pawar, who were in Delhi for the Parliament’s Budget Session, have rushed back and are expected to reach Baramati shortly. Ajit Pawar’s brother, Shriniwas Pawar, confirmed that the last rites will be performed in their home turf, Baramati.
The Fatalities: The 5 On Board
The DGCA and local authorities have confirmed there were no survivors. The victims include:
- Ajit Pawar: Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
- Captain Sumit Kapoor: Pilot-in-command.
- Captain Shambhavi Pathak: First officer.
- Vidip Jadhav: Personal Security Officer (PSO).
- Pinky Mali: Flight attendant.
Preliminary Investigation Details
- The Crash: The aircraft (VT-SSK) reportedly “appeared unstable” and fell roughly 100 feet before the runway, veering off and exploding multiple times upon impact.
- VSR Aviation Statement: The owner of the chartered firm, VK Singh, stated the aircraft was “100 percent safe” and suggested that poor visibility or a pilot’s misjudgment of the runway might have been factors.
- The Inquiry: Both CM Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde have promised a high-level probe into the accident, calling it a “black day” for the state.