'Would've held you in a tight hug': Jay Pawar shares emotional post after father Ajit Pawar dies in Baramati plane crash

On January 28, 2026, a private plane crashed near Baramati Airport in Maharashtra, India. The aircraft was a Learjet 45XR operated by VSR Ventures. It was on a charter flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai to Baramati Airport. Tragically, all five people on the plane, including Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, were killed in the crash. The aircraft crashed close to the runway and burst into flames. Emergency services reached the scene quickly, but the damage was severe. The aircraft was completely destroyed, and the cause of the crash is still under investigation. The investigation is being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Officials are examining what may have led to the accident, such as technical issues or other factors, but they have not yet announced a specific reason. Ajit Pawar was a well-known political leader. His family has expressed their sorrow; his son, Jay Pawar, shared an emotional message on social media. He said he was feeling deep sadness and that he misses his father very much. The Maharashtra state government responded to the tragedy by declaring a three-day mourning period. This is a time to honor the memory of Ajit Pawar and to show respect for his contributions. He was cremated in Baramati on January 29, 2026, with full state honors. Many officials and citizens attended to pay their respects. This incident is significant because Ajit Pawar was a prominent figure in Indian politics. The crash raises questions about safety procedures for private flights and aircraft operations. The event has also caused widespread sorrow among his supporters and the public. The government and investigative agencies are working to understand what caused this tragic accident so that similar incidents can be prevented in the future. While investigations are ongoing, the focus remains on providing support to the families affected and ensuring transparency about the findings. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether there were any safety lapses or other issues involved. In summary, the crash near Baramati Airport has resulted in the loss of a key political leader and four others. The authorities are committed to discovering the cause and ensuring accountability. The tragedy has left a deep impact on the community and highlights the importance of aviation safety.