Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others were killed when a small aircraft carrying them crashed in India’s Pune district on Wednesday morning.

The privately operated chartered plane had taken off from Mumbai and was heading to Baramati, where Pawar was scheduled to attend four public meetings ahead of the local body elections, NDTV reports citing PTI.

According to preliminary findings by India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft developed technical problems and became unstable while making its final approach around 8:45am. The pilot reportedly lost control during landing, causing the plane to crash on the runway and catch fire.

Flight tracking data showed the aircraft was attempting a second approach to Baramati Airport at the time of the crash.

Among those killed were two pilots, two passengers and one attendant, including Pawar’s personal security officer.

Visuals from the scene showed the aircraft completely destroyed, with debris scattered across the area as flames and thick smoke engulfed the wreckage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that he is "shocked" by the "untimely" death of Ajit Pawar.

In a post on X, PM Modi said that Pawar, 66, was a "leader of the people" who had a strong grassroots-level connection.

"He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti," he said.