Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said all six passengers on board the chartered aircraft were killed in the crash.
The incident occurred around 9 am, about an hour after the plane took off from Mumbai. Visuals from the crash site showed the mangled remains of the aircraft engulfed in flames, while ambulances and emergency personnel were seen at the site.
Pawar was travelling to Baramati to attend a public rally in connection with the Zilla Parishad elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the crash. In a post on X, he said, “Saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief.”
Describing Pawar as “a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect,” the Prime Minister called his death “shocking and saddening.”
“Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. 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,” PM Modi said.
Emergency services and senior security officials reached the crash site soon after the incident. Rescue teams were deployed immediately after the aircraft reportedly lost control during the landing phase.
Officials said three bodies were rushed to the Baramati Medical College, where identification procedures are underway. A team of DGCA officials has arrived at the crash site to begin a formal investigation.
(With inputs from IANS)
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